Control of the N\'eel vector in the quantum antiferromagnetic honeycomb lattice

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the applicability of Schwinger boson mean-field theory to model Ne9el vector switching in quantum antiferromagnetic honeycomb lattices, providing insights into threshold fields and lattice effects.

Contribution

It extends the Schwinger boson mean-field approach to low-symmetry quantum antiferromagnets, specifically the honeycomb lattice, and compares it with other methods for validation.

Findings

Sublattice magnetization reorientation is possible in the honeycomb lattice.

Threshold switching fields depend on lattice coordination number.

Comparison with square and cubic lattices reveals structure-field relationships.

Abstract

The switching of antiferromagnetic order and its efficient control promise to enable ultrafast manipulation of data and large storage capacity. Recently, the time-dependent Schwinger boson mean-field theory has been successfully developed to study the N\'eel vector switching in hypercubic antiferromagnetic lattices. In the present article, we aim at demonstrating that the approach is a well-justified framework to capture the essentials of the switching process, even in low-symmetry quantum antiferromagnets. To this end, we show the possibility of the sublattice magnetization reorientation in the quantum antiferromagnetic honeycomb lattice. First, equilibrium properties of the honeycomb lattice are analyzed using the Schwinger boson mean-field theory and compared to the continuous similarity transformation method to justify the applicability of the approach. Then, the Schwinger boson mean-field theory is employed for switching process. We provide a comprehensive answer to the question what the threshold switching fields are when the coordination number of the lattice is varied. Indeed, the results of the study reveal a correspondence between lattice structures and the threshold fields by comparing them for the square and the simple cubic lattices and the honeycomb lattice. The findings of the present article extend the foundation for future theoretical and computational advancements in the field of antiferromagnetic switching. These advancements are of particular relevance for the development of ultrafast spintronic or magnonic devices.