Spin-orbit coupling induced anisotropy effects in bimetallic antiferromagnets: A route towards antiferromagnetic spintronics

TL;DR

This paper investigates how spin-orbit coupling influences magnetic anisotropy in bimetallic antiferromagnets, revealing potential pathways for antiferromagnetic spintronics applications.

Contribution

It demonstrates the significant role of spin-orbit coupling in magnetic anisotropy of Mn2Au and MnIr, suggesting new avenues for antiferromagnetic spintronics without ferromagnetic elements.

Findings

Magnetic anisotropies depend on lattice parameters.

Anisotropies originate from Mn 3d moments and noble metal 5d spin-orbit coupling.

Potential for spintronics in compensated antiferromagnets.

Abstract

Magnetic anisotropy phenomena in bimetallic antiferromagnets Mn$_2$Au and MnIr are studied by first-principles density functional theory calculations. We find strong and lattice-parameter dependent magnetic anisotropies of the ground state energy, chemical potential, and density of states, and attribute these anisotropies to combined effects of large moment on the Mn 3$d$ shell and large spin-orbit coupling on the 5$d$ shell of the noble metal. Large magnitudes of the proposed effects can open a route towards spintronics in compensated antiferromagnets without involving ferromagnetic elements.