Spin-One Ising Model with Bilinear and Biquadratic Interactions

The spin-1 Ising model with bilinear and biquadratic interactions is investigated using a generalized constant-coupling approximation with two parameters. Equations to determine these parameters are derived by minimizing the variational free energy. The averages of the dipolar and quadrupolar moments expressed in terms of these parameters are first ascertained to give exact results for a linear chain, then investigated in detail for the quadrupolar-coupled system in comparison with the molecular-field results. The pair-correlation and the heat capacity of this system are also investigated in connection with the phase transition. For the system with the bilinear and biquadratic interactions the effect of the anisotropy constant to the phase transition is discussed.