Quantum Antiferromagnets in a Magnetic Field

Motivated by recent experiments on low-dimensional quantum magnets in applied magnetic fields, we present a theoretical analysis of their properties based on the nonlinear sigma model. The spin stiffness and a 1/N expansion are used to map the regimes of spin-gap behavior, predominantly linear magnetization, and spin saturation. A two-parameter renormalization-group study gives the characteristic properties over the entire parameter range. The model is relevant to many systems exhibiting Haldane physics, and is applied here to the two-chain spin ladder compound CuHpCl.