Strain controlled g- to d-wave transition in altermagnetic CrSb

TL;DR

This study demonstrates a strain-induced transition from g-wave to d-wave altermagnetism in CrSb, revealing how strain can tune magnetic symmetry and spin current properties, confirmed by first-principles calculations.

Contribution

The paper extends the understanding of strain effects on altermagnetism by analyzing CrSb, identifying specific strain directions that induce symmetry changes and spin-splitter effects, supported by first-principles calculations.

Findings

Strain can induce a g- to d-wave transition in CrSb.

Certain strain directions enable spin-splitter effects up to 5%.

The transition is confirmed both analytically and via first-principles calculations.

Abstract

The possibility of a strain-induced transformation from $g$-wave to $d$-wave altermagnetism was recently recently proposed for MnTe using a $k\cdot p$ perturbative model. In this work, we demonstrate such a transition in CrSb for a wider array of strains, using a combination of a minimal model and first-principles calculations. Starting from a symmetry perspective, we analyze the spin elastoconductivity tensor, and determine the strain types which allow for a change in the altermagnetic symmetry. We obtain three strain directions, which allow for a $d$-wave type splitting, and one in which a net magnetic moment emerges. Using first-principles calculations in the absence of spin-orbit coupling (SOC), we confirm these symmetry predictions. Furthermore, these results do not alter qualitatively in the presence of SOC. Finally, we reveal that the resulting spin currents give rise to a spin-splitter effect of up to 5\% under realistic strains of 1\%, confirming strain as a powerful tool for tuning altermagnetic properties.