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Anomalous electrical magnetochiral effect by chiral spin-cluster scattering
Hiroaki Ishizuka1, Naoto Nagaosa2,3
1Department of Applied Physics, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan. hishizuka@g.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp.
Nature Communications
|June 14, 2020
Summary
Vector spin chirality in chiral magnets causes asymmetric electron scattering, leading to the electrical magnetochiral effect (eMCE). This study reveals the microscopic mechanism behind eMCE, explaining its large nonreciprocal response in conducting systems.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Spintronics
- Materials science
Background:
- Non-collinear spin configurations generate phenomena linked to Berry phase, including scalar and vector spin chiralities.
- Scalar spin chirality drives the topological Hall effect in metals, while vector spin chirality causes spin-driven ferroelectricity (multiferroics) in insulators.
- The specific role of vector spin chirality in conducting systems remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To theoretically investigate the influence of vector spin chirality on electron transport in chiral magnets.
- To elucidate the microscopic mechanism behind nonreciprocal transport phenomena, specifically the electrical magnetochiral effect (eMCE).
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of electron scattering in chiral magnets with vector spin chirality.
- Analysis of spin correlations and their impact on charge and spin currents.
Main Results:
- Vector spin chirality induces asymmetric electron scattering, resulting in the electrical magnetochiral effect (eMCE).
- This asymmetric scattering is a leading-order effect, predicting significant nonreciprocity in charge and spin currents.
- The theoretical temperature and magnetic field dependence of eMCE aligns with experimental observations in MnSi.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals the microscopic origin of eMCE in conducting systems, driven by vector spin chirality.
- Vector spin chirality is identified as a key factor for large nonreciprocal transport responses.
- Findings offer insights into designing materials with enhanced eMCE for spintronic applications.
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