Electric Control of Dirac Quasiparticles by Spin-Orbit Torque in an Antiferromagnet

Smejkal L, Zelezny J, Sinova J, Jungwirth T (2017)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

Physical Review Letters American Physical Society

Book Volume: 118

Article Number: 106402

Journal Issue: 10

DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.118.106402

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.

Involved external institutions

Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (ASCR) / Akademie věd České republiky (AVČR) CZ Czech Republic (CZ)

How to cite

APA:

Smejkal, L., Zelezny, 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

MLA:

Smejkal, L., et al. "Electric Control of Dirac Quasiparticles by Spin-Orbit Torque in an Antiferromagnet." Physical Review Letters 118.10 (2017).

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