Analysis of Spin Current Generation by Elastic Waves in $f$-wave Altermagnets

TL;DR

This paper theoretically explores how elastic waves can generate spin currents in nonrelativistic altermagnets with specific magnetic structures, revealing a new mechanism independent of spin-orbit coupling.

Contribution

It introduces a novel nonrelativistic spin current generation mechanism in altermagnets due to elastic waves, distinct from relativistic spin-orbit effects.

Findings

Spin currents are generated by elastic waves in $f$-wave altermagnets.

The spin current response depends on the direction of elastic wave propagation.

The mechanism is compared and contrasted with relativistic effects in Rashba systems.

Abstract

We theoretically investigate the mechanism of spin current generation induced by elastic waves in nonrelativistic magnets referred to as altermagnets. By analyzing an $f$-wave altermagnet formed by a three-sublattice noncollinear antiferromagnetic structure breaking the spatial inversion symmetry on a two-dimensional triangular lattice within the linear response theory, we show that the nonrelativistic antisymmetric spin-split band structure can give rise to spin current generation when either longitudinal or transverse elastic wave is applied. We find that the momentum dependence of the antisymmetric spin splitting leads to a characteristic direction-dependent spin current response. We also compare the present nonrelativistic magnetic-order-driven mechanism with the relativistic one in a nonmagnetic Rashba system. These findings highlight the potential of invesion-symmetry-breaking altermagnets as a spin current generator driven by elasticity without relying on the relativistic spin-orbit coupling.