Exotic gapless spectrum induced by frustration in quantum antiferromagnets

We show strong numerical evidence in favor of an unexpected virtually gapless spectrum, with edge states localized at the boundaries, in frustrated spin-$1∕2$ antiferromagnetic ladders with an odd number of legs. These features can be accurately reproduced by using a projected BCS wave function with a nontrivial pairing that mixes even and odd reflection symmetries. This approach gives the correct classification of the excitations and provides a simple and very appealing picture of an unconventional spin-liquid phase stabilized by frustration.