# Imaging of current induced N\'eel vector switching in antiferromagnetic Mn$_2$Au

## TL;DR

This study demonstrates current-induced switching of antiferromagnetic domains in Mn₂Au thin films using XMLD-PEEM, revealing reversible and irreversible Ne9el vector reorientations consistent with magnetoresistance effects.

## Contribution

First direct microscopic observation of current-induced Ne9el vector switching in Mn₂Au, correlating domain changes with anisotropic magnetoresistance.

## Key findings

- Up to 30% of domains switched in 10 μm field of view.
- Reversible and irreversible Ne9el vector reorientations observed.
- Switching correlates with sample morphology features.

## Abstract

The effects of current induced N\'eel spin-orbit torques on the antiferromagnetic domain structure of epitaxial Mn$_2$Au thin films were investigated by X-ray magnetic linear dichroism - photoemission electron microscopy (XMLD-PEEM). We observed current induced switching of AFM domains essentially corresponding to morphological features of the samples. Reversible as well as irreversible N\'eel vector reorientation was obtained in different parts of the samples and the switching of up to 30 % of all domains in the field of view of 10 $\mu$m is demonstrated. Our direct microscopical observations are compared to and fully consistent with anisotropic magnetoresistance effects previously attributed to current induced N\'eel vector switching in Mn$_2$Au.