Destruction of Neel order and local spin spirals in insulating La_(2-x)Sr_xCuO₄

Starting from the t-J model, we derive an effective field theory describing the spin dynamics in the insulating phase of La_{2-x}Sr_xCuO_4, x < 0.055, at low temperature. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we show that the destruction of Neel order is driven by the single-hole localization length kappa. A phase transition at 2% doping is consistent with the value of kappa known from the variable range hopping conductivity. The static spin structure factor obtained in our calculations is in perfect agreement with neutron scattering data over the whole range of doping. We also demonstrate that topological defects (spin vortex-antivortex pairs) are an intrinsic property of the spin-glass ground state.