Symmetry analysis of current-induced switching of antiferromagnets

Abstract

Antiferromagnets are robust to external electric and magnetic fields, and hence are seemingly uncontrollable. Recent studies, however, realized the electrical manipulations of antiferromagnets by virtue of the antiferromagnetic Edelstein effect. We present a general symmetry analysis of electrically switchable antiferromagnets based on group-theoretical approaches. Furthermore, we identify a direct relation between switchable antiferromagnets and the ferrotoroidic order. The concept of the ferrotoroidic order clarifies the unidirectional nature of switchable antiferromagnets and provides a criterion for the controllability of antiferromagnets. The scheme paves a way for perfect writing and reading of switchable antiferromagnets.