What is altermagnetism?

Altermagnetism is a type of magnetic order that has gained attention in condensed matter physics. It refers to a magnetic phase characterized by the presence of non-collinear magnetic moments, typically resulting in zero net magnetization in the absence of an external magnetic field. This form of magnetism is often associated with materials that exhibit specific symmetries and can lead to unique electronic and magnetic properties. In altermagnetic materials, the magnetic spins are arranged in a way that can give rise to interesting phenomena, such as various spin textures and potentially novel spintronic applications. Unlike conventional ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic materials, where spins align either parallel or antiparallel respectively, altermagnetic materials can show more complex arrangements that can be influenced by external factors like temperature, pressure, or magnetic fields. The study of altermagnetism is still evolving, and ongoing research aims to explore its implications for both fundamental physics and potential technological applications, especially in fields like quantum computing and spintronics.