Ordering and Excitation in Orbital Compass Model on a Checkerboard   Lattice
  We study an orbital compass model on a checkerboard lattice where orbital degree of freedom is represented by the pseudo-spin operator. Competition arises from an Ising interaction for the $z$ component of pseudo-spins along the vertical/horizontal bonds and an Ising interaction for the $x$ component along diagonal bonds. Classical and quantum compass models are analyzed by utilizing several analytical methods and numerical simulations. At a fully frustrated point where the two Ising interactions compete with each other, a macroscopic number of orbital configurations are degenerate in a classical ground state. This degeneracy is lifted by thermal and quantum fluctuations, and a staggered long-range order of the $z$ component of the pseudo-spin is realized. A tricritical point for this order appears due to competition between the bond dependent Ising interactions. Roles of geometrical frustration on excitation dynamics are also examined. 
Joji Nasu, Synge Todo, and Sumio Ishihara
cond-mat.str-el