Heisenberg spin chain with random-sign couplings

We study the 1D quantum Heisenberg chain with randomly ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic couplings [a model previously studied by approximate strong-disorder renormalization group (RG)]. We find that, at least for sufficiently large spin <i>S</i>, the ground state has "spin glass" order. The spin waves on top of this state have the dynamical exponent [Formula: see text], intermediate between the values <i>z</i> = 1 of the antiferromagnet and <i>z</i> = 2 of the ferromagnet. Density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) simulations are in good agreement with the analytical results for spins <i>S</i> = 1 and [Formula: see text]. The case [Formula: see text] shows large finite size effects: We suggest that this case is also ordered, but with a small ordered moment.