Realization of Heisenberg models of spin systems with polar molecules in pendular states

Abstract

We show that ultra-cold polar diatomic or linear molecules, oriented in an external electric field and mutually coupled by dipole–dipole interactions, can be used to realize the exact Heisenberg XYZ, XXZ and XY models without invoking any approximation. The two lowest lying excited pendular states coupled by microwave or radio-frequency fields are used to encode the pseudo-spin. We map out the general features of the models by evaluating the models constants as functions of the molecular dipole moment, rotational constant, strength and direction of the external field as well as the distance between molecules. We calculate the phase diagram for a linear chain of polar molecules based on the Heisenberg models and discuss their drawbacks, advantages, and potential applications.