Currentless reversal of N\'eel vector in antiferromagnets

Abstract

The bias driven perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is a magneto-electric effect that can realize 90$^\circ$ magnetization rotation and even 180$% ^\circ $ flip along the easy axis in the ferromagnets with a minimal energy consumption. This study theoretically demonstrates a similar phenomenon of the N\'{e}el vector reversal via a short electrical pulse that can mediate perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in the antiferromagnets. The analysis based on the dynamical equations as well as the micro-magnetic simulations reveals the important role of the inertial behavior in the antiferromagnets that facilitates the N\'{e}el vector to overcome the barrier between two free-energy minima of the bistable states along the easy axis. In contrast to the ferromagnets, this N\'{e}el vector reversal does not accompany angular moment transfer to the environment, leading to acceleration in the dynamical response by a few orders of magnitude. Further, a small switching energy requirement of a few attojoules illustrates an added advantage of the phenomenon in low-power spintronic applications.