Altermagnetism in orthorhombic $Pnma$ structure through group theory and DFT calculations

TL;DR

This paper investigates altermagnetism in orthorhombic $Pnma$ structures like BiFeO$_3$ and CaMnO$_3$ using DFT and symmetry analysis, revealing spin-splitting phenomena without spin-orbit interaction.

Contribution

It identifies altermagnetic phases in specific $Pnma$ compounds through DFT and symmetry analysis, expanding understanding of spin-splitting mechanisms without spin-orbit coupling.

Findings

Substantial spin-splitting observed along high-symmetry paths

Sublattice spin degeneracy lifted in the $k_y$-$k_z$ plane

Symmetry analysis explains the spin-splitting phenomena

Abstract

Antiferromagnetism, initially considered interesting but useless, recently emerged as one of the most promising magnetic phases for technology. Recently, a low symmetry antiferromagnetic phase, known as altermagnetic phase, have been discovered, where no time reversal ($\mathcal{T}$) symmetry is observed in spite of a vanishing net magnetization, leading to non-degenerate bands from the opposite magnetic sublattices. In this work, we consider two representatives of orthorhombic $Pnma$ space group, namely, BiFeO$_3$ and CaMnO$_3$ and find altermagnetic lowest energy phase in both from our density functional theory calculations. We find a substantial spin-splitting in both systems along a high-symmetry path in the Brillouin zone without considering the spin-orbit interaction (SOI). Detailed features of the band dispersion obtained from our calculation confirm the lifting of sublattice spin degeneracy only in the $k_y$-$k_z$ plane while preserving the spin degeneracy in the other planes of the Brillouin zone. We provide a comprehensive symmetry analysis based on the magnetic space group (MSG) to explain our DFT findings and an insightful symmetry-allowed model Hamiltonian, which qualitatively agrees with our results. Additionally, we extend our symmetry analysis to encompass two other potential MSGs within the $Pnma$ space group that may host the spin-splitting phenomenon without considering SOI and the likely form of their Hamiltonian. These detailed studies pave the way for a deeper understanding of the spin-splitting phenomena within the $Pnma$ space group, offering insights into the intricate interplay between symmetry and electronic as well as magnetic properties.