Optical magnetic switching in odd-parity magnets with spin-orbit coupling

$p$-wave magnets exhibit odd-parity spin polarization in momentum space, with spin splitting that reverses under $\vec{k}\rightarrow -\vec{k}$, while preserving zero net magnetization. Here we show that, in odd-parity magnets with spin-orbit coupling, elliptically polarized light generates a momentum-independent spin-dependent term that dynamically switches a zero-net-magnetization $p$-wave state into a finite spin-polarized state. The Floquet-engineered bands also acquire a nonzero Chern number whose sign is controlled by the light polarization. For $f$-wave magnets, circularly polarized light induces a net out-of-plane magnetization, offering a direct experimental signature. Our results establish light as an efficient means of controlling magnetic states, with potential applications in spintronics and quantum information.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Physical review. B./Physical review. B
Published
2026-11-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1103/z5z7-1lbw
Primary Topic
Magnetic properties of thin films
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Optical magnetic switching in odd-parity magnets with spin-orbit coupling

S Han, Qiang Li
2 links
Physical review. B./Physical review. B
Magnetic properties of thin films
article

Optical magnetic switching in odd-parity magnets with spin-orbit coupling

S Han, Qiang Li
article en

Abstract

$p$-wave magnets exhibit odd-parity spin polarization in momentum space, with spin splitting that reverses under $\vec{k}\rightarrow -\vec{k}$, while preserving zero net magnetization. Here we show that, in odd-parity magnets with spin-orbit coupling, elliptically polarized light generates a momentum-independent spin-dependent term that dynamically switches a zero-net-magnetization $p$-wave state into a finite spin-polarized state. The Floquet-engineered bands also acquire a nonzero Chern number whose sign is controlled by the light polarization. For $f$-wave magnets, circularly polarized light induces a net out-of-plane magnetization, offering a direct experimental signature. Our results establish light as an efficient means of controlling magnetic states, with potential applications in spintronics and quantum information.

Physical review. B./Physical review. B
U.S. Department of Energy, State University of New York, Stony Brook University, Basic Energy Sciences
Openalex Percentile: Top 51%
Magnetic properties of thin films
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