Ultrafast reorientation of the N\'eel vector in antiferromagnetic Dirac semimetals

TL;DR

This paper develops a theory describing how the Nél vector in antiferromagnetic Dirac semimetals can be ultrafast reoriented within picoseconds using terahertz pulses, affecting Dirac fermions and enabling real-time observation via magneto-optical effects.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical framework for ultrafast Nél vector dynamics in antiferromagnetic Dirac semimetals, linking spin-orbit torques to topological electronic changes.

Findings

Nél vector can be rotated in picoseconds by terahertz pulses.

Reorientation modulates Dirac fermion mass.

Magneto-optical effects can detect real-time dynamics.

Abstract

Antiferromagnets exhibit distinctive characteristics such as ultrafast dynamics and robustness against perturbative fields, thereby attracting considerable interest in fundamental physics and technological applications. Recently, it was revealed that the N\'eel vector can be switched by a current-induced staggered (N\'eel) spin-orbit torque in antiferromagnets with the parity-time symmetry, and furthermore, a nonsymmorphic symmetry enables the control of Dirac fermions. However, the real-time dynamics of the magnetic and electronic structures remain largely unexplored. Here, we propose a theory of the ultrafast dynamics in antiferromagnetic Dirac semimetals and show that the N\'eel vector is rotated in the picosecond timescale by the terahertz-pulse-induced N\'eel spin-orbit torque and other torques originating from magnetic anisotropies. This reorientation accompanies the modulation of the mass of Dirac fermions and can be observed in real time by the magneto-optical effects. Our results provide a theoretical basis for emerging ultrafast antiferromagnetic spintronics combined with the topological aspects of materials.