Variational calculations for the square-lattice quantum antiferromagnet

We study the spin-1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet on a square lattice using variational Monte Carlo calculations. We construct a variational wave function which gives accurate ground-state energy and is consistent with sum rules for the dynamical structure function. The spin-wave velocity and the spin-stiffness constant can be calculated using sum rules. We obtain Zc==c/c₀, where c₀ is the classical spin-wave velocity. This and other ground-state quantities are in good agreement with spin-wave theory and Monte Carlo calculations.