Alterelectricity: Electrical Analogue of Altermagnetism

Abstract

We propose alterelectricity, an electrical analogue of altermagnetism, in which two switchable states possess alternating band structures. Such alterelectric states arise when a switchable sublattice-selective structural change connects two configurations related by a non-inversion symmetry. Using an anisotropic Lieb-lattice model, we establish a general symmetry framework for identifying alterelectricity. We further identify two material realizations of alterelectricity: (i) interlayer sliding in bilayers, as exemplified by tetragonal Ag2N and hexagonal FeHfI6; and (ii) ferroelectrically switchable Ti-adsorbed SnP2S6. We also propose an alterelectric tunnel junction that exploits switchable anisotropic Fermi surfaces to achieve a sizable tunneling electroresistance of 120%. This work establishes the foundational concept of alterelectricity and expands the material landscape of ferroic electronics.