Evolution of Spin-Orbital-Lattice Coupling in the $R$VO$_3$ Perovskites

We introduce a microscopic model which unravels the physical mechanisms responsible for the observed phase diagram of the $R$VO$_3$ perovskites. It reveals a nontrivial interplay between superexchange, the orbital-lattice coupling due to the GdFeO$_3$-like rotations of the VO$_6$ octahedra, and orthorhombic lattice distortions. We find that the lattice strain affects the onset of the magnetic and orbital order by partial suppression of orbital fluctuations. The present approach provides also a natural explanation of the observed reduction of magnon energies from LaVO$_3$ to YVO$_3$.