Spin-correlation dynamics: A semiclassical framework for nonlinear quantum magnetism
Phys. Rev. B 113, 214436 – Published 15 June, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/b2ny-jh15
Abstract
Classical nonlinear theories are highly successful in describing far-from-equilibrium dynamics in magnetism, including phenomena such as parametric resonance, ultrafast switching, and even chaos. However, at ultrashort length and time scales, where quantum correlations become significant, these models inevitably break down. While numerous methods exist to simulate quantum many-body spin systems, they are often limited to near-equilibrium conditions, capture only short-time dynamics, or obscure the intuitive connection between nonlinear behavior and its geometric origin in the spin algebra. To advance nonlinear magnetism into the quantum regime, we develop a theory in which semiclassical spin correlations, rather than individual spins, serve as the fundamental dynamical variables. Defined on the bonds of a bipartite lattice, these correlations are inherently nonlocal, with dynamics following through a semiclassical mapping that preserves the original spin algebra. The resulting semiclassical theory captures nonlinear dynamics that are fundamentally nonclassical and naturally incorporates phenomenological damping at the level of correlations, requiring significantly less effort than quantum many-body approaches. As an application, we focus on Heisenberg antiferromagnets, which feature significant quantum effects. We predict nonlinear scaling of the mean frequency of quantum oscillations in the Néel state exhibit a nonlinear scaling state with the spin quantum number . These oscillations have no classical analog and exhibit features reminiscent of nonlinear parametric resonance, as fully confirmed by exact diagonalization. The predicted dynamical features are embedded in the geometric structure of the semiclassical phase space of spin correlations, making their physical origin much more transparent than in full quantum methods. With this, semiclassical spin-correlation dynamics provide a foundation for exploring nonlinear quantum magnetism.
