Direction-Dependent Conduction Polarity in Altermagnetic CrSb.

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Spintronics

Background:

• Chromium antimonide (CrSb) is recognized as a promising altermagnetic material.
• Altermagnetism offers unique spintronic properties distinct from conventional ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally investigate the electronic transport properties of CrSb.
• To explore the phenomenon of direction-dependent conduction polarity (DDCP) in CrSb.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of DDCP using theoretical calculations.

Main Methods:

• Experimental measurements including Hall effect and Seebeck thermopower.
• Density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
• Controlled doping studies (Cr$_{0.98}$V$_{0.02}$Sb).

Main Results:

• Observed DDCP in CrSb: hole-dominated conduction along the c-axis and electron-dominated conduction in the ab-plane.
• DFT calculations confirmed a multicarrier mechanism involving distinct electron and hole bands responsible for DDCP.
• DDCP was found to be sensitive to doping, with experimental validation showing its disappearance in V-doped CrSb.

Conclusions:

• CrSb exhibits tunable electronic behavior due to DDCP.
• The findings suggest potential applications for CrSb in devices requiring both p-type and n-type functionalities.
• This work provides a foundation for further exploration of altermagnetic materials for advanced electronic applications.