Multiple Zeeman-type Hidden Spin Splitting in $\mathcal{\hat{P}\hat{T}}$-Symmetric Layered Antiferromagnets

TL;DR

This paper reveals hidden Zeeman-type spin splitting in centrosymmetric layered antiferromagnets, demonstrating how asymmetric sublayer structures induce local spin polarization and Zeeman splitting, with potential applications in spintronics.

Contribution

It introduces a new design principle for achieving Zeeman-type spin splitting in centrosymmetric antiferromagnets through symmetry analysis and first-principles simulations.

Findings

Degenerate states segregate on different sublayers forming PT-symmetric pairs.

Bands exhibit local Zeeman splitting up to 70 meV.

Tiny electric fields can break degeneracy and induce additional Zeeman pairs.

Abstract

Centrosymmetric antiferromagnetic semiconductors, although abundant in nature, appear less favorable in spintronics owing to the lack of inherent spin polarization and magnetization. We unveil hidden Zeeman-type spin splitting (HZSS) in layered centrosymmetric antiferromagnets with asymmetric sublayer structures by employing first-principles simulations and symmetry analysis. Taking the bilayer counterpart of recently synthesized monolayer MnSe, we demonstrate that the degenerate states around specific high-symmetry points spatially segregate on different sublayers forming PT-symmetric pair. Furthermore, degenerate states exhibit uniform in-plane spin configurations with opposite orientations enforced by mirror symmetry. Bands are locally Zeeman-split up to order of 70 meV. Strikingly, a tiny electric field of a few mVA-1 along the z-direction breaks the double degeneracy forming additional Zeeman pair. Moreover, our simulations on trilayer and tetralayer MnSe show that achieved HZSS is independent of layer number. These findings establish the design principle to obtain Zeeman-type splitting in centrosymmetric antiferromagnets and significantly expand the range of materials to look for spintronics.