A Perspective on Magnon Spin Nernst Effect in Antiferromagnets

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advances in the magnon spin Nernst effect in antiferromagnets, highlighting its physical mechanisms, topological features, and potential applications in future spintronic technologies.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the physical mechanisms and topological aspects of magnon SNE in collinear antiferromagnets, emphasizing recent progress and future perspectives.

Findings

Magnon SNE involves transverse pure magnon spin currents driven by temperature gradients.

Topological features of magnon band structures underpin the magnon SNE.

The study links magnon SNE to the development of topological and spintronic applications.

Abstract

Magnon excitations in antiferromagnetic materials and their physical implications enable novel device concepts not available in ferromagnets, emerging as a new area of active research. A unique characteristic of antiferromagnetic magnons is the coexistence of opposite spin polarization, which mimics the electron spin in a variety of transport phenomena. Among them, the most prominent spin-contrasting phenomenon is the magnon spin Nernst effect (SNE), which refers to the generation of transverse pure magnon spin current through a longitudinal temperature gradient. We introduce selected recent progress in the study of magnon SNE in collinear antiferromagnets with a focus on its underlying physical mechanism entailing profound topological features of the magnon band structures. By reviewing how the magnon SNE has inspired and enriched the exploration of topological magnons, we offer our perspectives on this emerging frontier that holds potential in future spintronic nano-technology.