Physics Colloquium – Daniel Agterberg

Altermagnets: A New Technologically Relevant Class of Quantum Magnets

Daniel Agterberg
Professor, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Magnetism underpins much of our current information technology. It also derives purely from quantum mechanics. Traditionally, discussion emphasizes two classes of magnets: usual ferromagnets, which underly data storage devices, and antiferromagnets, in which magnetic moments adopt an up-down structural motif. Recently, a new class of magnets, altermagnets, has generated tremendous interest. This class mixes properties of ferromagnets and antiferromagnets in a way that is promising for future applications.

In this talk, after introducing and discussing the quantum mechanical origins of traditional classes of magnetism, I will turn to altermagnetism to highlight our current understanding of these materials and discuss how this understanding is providing a new lens for future research in quantum magnetism.
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