We study quantum spin models with nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor exchange interactions by means of exact solutions. Depending on the representation, the models can also be viewed as spin ladders with interchain couplings and with ring biquadratic spin-spin interactions. The ground-state phase diagram is constructed as a function of the next-nearest-neighbor couplings and an external magnetic field. Several quantum phase transitions in the ground state, including the possibility of a first-order quantum phase transition, governed by the external magnetic field, are predicted. The low-energy conformal behavior of the low-lying excitations is studied in the commensurate and incommensurate phases. Finally, the properties of the models at finite temperature are studied exactly. A finite set of nonlinear integral equations determining the thermodynamic potential at arbitrary temperature and external magnetic field is derived and solved in several important cases. The results for the magnetic susceptibility and the Sommerfeld coefficient of the specific heat are presented.

• Received 22 May 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.68.144426