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Electric control of Dirac quasiparticles by spin-orbit torque in an antiferromagnet

�mejkal, L.; �elezn�, J.; Sinova, J.; Jungwirth, T.

Authors

L. �mejkal

J. �elezn�

J. Sinova

TOMAS JUNGWIRTH tomas.jungwirth@nottingham.ac.uk
Research Professor of Ferromagnetic Semiconductors



Abstract

Spin orbitronics and Dirac quasiparticles are two fields of condensed matter physics initiated independently about a decade ago. Here we predict that Dirac quasiparticles can be controlled by the spin-orbit torque reorientation of the Néel vector in an antiferromagnet. Using CuMnAs as an example, we formulate symmetry criteria allowing for the coexistence of topological Dirac quasiparticles and Néel spin-orbit torques. We identify the nonsymmorphic crystal symmetry protection of Dirac band crossings whose on and off switching is mediated by the Néel vector reorientation. We predict that this concept verified by minimal model and density functional calculations in the CuMnAs semimetal antiferromagnet can lead to a topological metal-insulator transition driven by the Néel vector and to the topological anisotropic magnetoresistance.

Citation

Šmejkal, L., Železný, J., Sinova, J., & Jungwirth, T. (2017). Electric control of Dirac quasiparticles by spin-orbit torque in an antiferromagnet. Physical Review Letters, 118(10), https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.118.106402

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Feb 10, 2017
Publication Date Mar 6, 2017
Deposit Date Jul 14, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Physical Review Letters
Print ISSN 0031-9007
Electronic ISSN 1079-7114
Publisher American Physical Society
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 118
Issue 10
DOI https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.118.106402
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/849254
Publisher URL https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.118.106402
Additional Information © 2017 American Physical Society