Phase transitions in the one-dimensional spin-S $J_1-J_2$ XY model

The one-dimensional spin-S $J_1-J_2$ XY model is studied within the bosonization approach. Around the two limits ($J_2/J_1 \ll 1,J_2/J_1 \gg 1$) where a field theoretical analysis can be derived, we discuss the phases as well as the different phase transitions that occur in the model. In particular, it is found that the chiral critical spin nematic phase, first discovered by Nersesyan et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 81}, 910 (1998)) for $S=1/2$, exists in the general spin-S case. The nature of the effective field theory that describes the transition between this chiral critical phase and a chiral gapped phase is also determined.