Altermagnetism Induced by Sliding Ferroelectricity\nvia Lattice Symmetry-Mediated Magnetoelectric Coupling

Altermagnets,\ndistinct from conventional ferromagnets or antiferromagnets,\nhave recently attracted attention as the third category of collinear\nmagnets, which exhibit the coexistence of zero net magnetization and\nspin polarization due to their unique lattice symmetries. Meanwhile,\nthe additional layer degrees of freedom in multilayer sliding ferroelectrics\noffer opportunities for coupling with lattice symmetries, paving the\nway for an innovative approach to constructing multiferroic lattices.\nIn this study, altermagnetic tuning in SnS<sub>2</sub>/MnPSe<sub>3</sub>/SnS<sub>2</sub> heterostructures is achieved by breaking and restoration\nof lattice inversion symmetry through sliding ferroelectric switching.\nFirst-principles calculations reveal that the spin density and corresponding\ntime-reversal symmetry of MnPSe<sub>3</sub> can be manipulated by\nlattice symmetry, triggering phase transitions between antiferromagnetism\nand altermagnetism. This research establishes a novel form of magnetoelectric\ncoupling mediated by lattice symmetry and provides a theoretical basis\nfor the design of miniature information processing and memory devices\nbased on altermagnetism.