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Landau Theory of Altermagnetism
Paul A McClarty1,2, Jeffrey G Rau3
1Laboratoire Léon Brillouin, UMR12 CEA-CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA Saclay, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
Physical Review Letters
|May 10, 2024
Summary
We developed a Landau theory for altermagnets, explaining their unique spin properties and connecting them to observable phenomena like anomalous Hall conductivity.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Theoretical Physics
Background:
- Altermagnets are a class of collinear compensated magnets characterized by spin-split bands.
- Understanding their unique magnetic and electronic properties requires advanced theoretical frameworks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To formulate a comprehensive Landau theory for altermagnets.
- To provide a simple framework for understanding altermagnet key features, including spin-space symmetries.
Main Methods:
- Developed a nonrelativistic Landau theory.
- Incorporated spin-space symmetries and spin-orbit coupling.
- Identified multipolar secondary order parameters.
Main Results:
- Established a framework connecting spin symmetries, order parameters, and spin-orbit coupling effects.
- Related the order parameter to observable properties like magnetization and anomalous Hall conductivity.
- Explained features of materials like RuO₂, MnTe, and CuF₂.
Conclusions:
- The developed Landau theory offers a unified understanding of altermagnets.
- The framework can be extended to other exotic magnetic systems.
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