VILLIGEN, SWITZERLAND – Researchers at the Swiss Light Source SLS have made a groundbreaking discovery that has expanded our understanding of magnetism. Published in Nature, the study discusses the identification of a new type of fundamental magnetism, named ‘altermagnetism,’ with significant implications for the field of spintronics.
Previously, the magnetic family consisted of two main branches: ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic. The discovery of altermagnetism adds a third branch, marking a pivotal advancement in our comprehension of the behavior of magnetic materials.
Ferromagnets, known for sticking to the fridge, exhibit macroscopic magnetism with spins pointing in the same direction. On the other hand, antiferromagnetic materials have spins pointing in alternating directions, resulting in no net magnetization. The newly discovered altermagnets possess a unique combination of spin arrangement and crystal symmetries, resulting in a distinct electronic band structure with strong spin polarization, similar to ferromagnets, alongside completely novel properties.
The introduction of altermagnets presents promising prospects for the field of spintronics, a technology that leverages the spin state of electrons to store and process information. While traditional electronics only use the charge of electrons, spintronics offers the potential for enhanced performance and energy efficiency. The utilization of altermagnets in spintronics devices offers the benefits of no net magnetization, along with the strong spin-dependent phenomena typically found in ferromagnets, addressing the limitations posed by conventional magnetism.
Lead researcher, Tomáš Jungwirth, from the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, emphasizes the significance of the study in challenging previously held beliefs about the compatibility of certain magnetic properties. The groundbreaking research offers newfound possibilities and a deeper understanding of the intricate nature of magnetism.
Additional information about the study has been published in the journal Nature and can be found with DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06907-7. This discovery marks a pivotal moment in the field of magnetism, paving the way for further advancements in spintronics and materials science.