Classification and design of two-dimensional altermagnets

TL;DR

This review discusses the classification, candidate materials, and engineering strategies for two-dimensional altermagnets, a new class of spintronic materials with unique symmetry and spin splitting properties.

Contribution

It consolidates theoretical classifications, surveys candidate materials, and explores engineering approaches for two-dimensional altermagnets, advancing the understanding of this emerging field.

Findings

Symmetry classification of 2D altermagnets based on spin-group theory

Survey of candidate materials with large spin splitting

Strategies for engineering 2D altermagnetism

Abstract

Altermagnets -- newly identified collinear antiferromagnets -- carry zero net moment with non-relativistic, spin-polarized bands, distilling the best of ferromagnets and antiferromagnets into a single spintronic platform. Shrunking to the two-dimensional limit, they inherit the tunability of two-dimensional crystals while adding symmetry-protected spin splitting, a combination now driving intense experimental interest. Here, we review the symmetry classification of two-dimensional altermagnets based on spin-group theory and survey the growing list of candidate materials, emphasizing those with large spin splitting for experimental realization. We then examine strategies for engineering two-dimensional altermagnetism. This Review aims to consolidate theoretically proposed candidate materials and realization strategies for two-dimensional altermagnets, providing insights for future experimental efforts in this emerging field.