  We study the low-temperature properties of S=1 and 1/2 alternating spin
chains with antiferromagnetic nearest-neighbor exchange couplings using
analytical techniques as well as a quantum Monte Carlo method. The spin-wave
approach predicts two different low-lying excitations, which are gapped and
gapless, respectively. The structure of low-lying levels is also discussed by
perturbation theory in the strength of the Ising anisotropy. These analytical
findings are compared with the results of quantum Monte Carlo calculations and
it turns out that spin-wave theory well describes the present system. We
conclude that the quantum ferrimagnetic chain exhibits both ferromagnetic and
antiferromagnetic aspects.
