Scientists found new electrical and thermal transport in altermagnet CrSb. Altermagnets, a novel magnetic material class, combine ferromagnet and antiferromagnet properties with zero net magnetism but unique spin polarization. CrSb, an earth-abundant material, exhibits remarkable characteristics, making it highly promising for future spintronics and spin caloritronics, exploring the interplay of spin and heat flow for information technology.
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Scientists from the S N Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have spotted electrical and thermal transport phenomenon in the altermagnet CrSb.
Altermagnets are a newly identified class of magnetic materials that combine the best features of both ferromagnets and antiferromagnets.
No Net External Magnetism => Like antiferromagnets, altermagnets do not exhibit any net magnetic field externally. This means they do not attract or repel external magnets, making them "invisible" magnetically from the outside.
Internal Electron Behavior => Deep inside their structure, however, their electrons behave in a very specific and useful manner, resembling ferromagnets.
Potential Applications => Useful for futuristic technologies, particularly spintronics, where scientists manipulate the "spin" of electrons rather than just their electrical charge.
Metallic Nature => CrSb is a metallic material, which is beneficial for electrical conductivity in devices. Its magnetic order remains stable at room temperatures, which make it suitable for applications without requiring extreme cooling.
Largest Altermagnetic Spin-Splitting => CrSb exhibits the largest known altermagnetic spin-splitting, which is equivalent to over 30 times that of room temperature. This large splitting indicates a strong ability to manipulate electron spins.
Direction-Dependent Conduction Polarity => CrSb is one of the very few materials, and the first altermagnet, to show direction-dependent conduction polarity. This means its electrical conductivity varies based on the direction of current flow relative to its internal magnetic structure.
Environmentally Friendly => CrSb is composed of earth-abundant and non-toxic elements (chromium and antimony), making it an environmentally sustainable choice for future electronic devices.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following best describes altermagnets? A) Materials with strong external magnetism, useful for traditional magnets. B) Materials that combine properties of both ferromagnets and antiferromagnets. C) Materials that are only useful at extremely low temperatures. D) Materials that only exhibit spin polarization in real space. Answer: B Explanation: Altermagnets are a newly discovered class of magnetic materials that enjoy the best properties of both ferromagnets and antiferromagnets. |
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