First-Order Phase Transition with Breaking of Lattice Rotation Symmetry in Continuous-Spin Model on Triangular Lattice

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Using a Monte Carlo method, we study the finite-temperature phase transition in the two-dimensional classical Heisenberg model on a triangular lattice with or without easy-plane anisotropy. The model takes account of competing interactions: a ferromagnetic nearest-neighbor interaction J₁ and an antiferromagnetic third nearest-neighbor interaction J₃. As a result, the ground state is a spiral spin configuration for -4 < J₁/J₃ < 0. In this structure, global spin rotation cannot compensate for the effect of 120-degree lattice rotation, in contrast to the conventional 120-degree structure of the nearest-neighbor interaction model. We find that this model exhibits a first-order phase transition with breaking of the lattice rotation symmetry at a finite temperature. The transition is characterized as a Z₂ vortex dissociation in the isotropic case, whereas it can be viewed as a Z vortex dissociation in the anisotropic case. Remarkably, the latter is continuously connected to the former as the magnitude of anisotropy decreases, in contrast to the recent work by Misawa and Motome [J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 79 (2010) 073001.] in which both the transitions were found to be continuous.