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
- S Han
- Qiang Li
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
Funders
- U.S. Department of Energy
- State University of New York
- Stony Brook University
- Basic Energy Sciences