Spin-Transfer Torques in Antiferromagnetic Metals from First Principles

Yuan Xu, Shuai Wang, and Ke Xia
Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 226602 – Published 3 June 2008

Abstract

In spite of the absence of a macroscopic magnetic moment, an antiferromagnet is spin-polarized on an atomic scale. The electric current passing through a conducting antiferromagnet is polarized as well, leading to spin-transfer torques when the order parameter is textured, such as in antiferromagnetic noncollinear spin valves and domain walls. We report a first principles study on the electronic transport properties of antiferromagnetic systems. The current-induced spin torques acting on the magnetic moments are comparable with those in conventional ferromagnetic materials, leading to measurable angular resistances and current-induced magnetization dynamics. In contrast to ferromagnets, spin torques in antiferromagnets are very nonlocal. The torques acting far away from the center of an antiferromagnetic domain wall should facilitate current-induced domain wall motion.

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  • Received 15 August 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.226602

©2008 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Yuan Xu, Shuai Wang, and Ke Xia

  • State Key Laboratory for Surface Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 603, Beijing 100080, China

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Issue

Vol. 100, Iss. 22 — 6 June 2008

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