Scientists Discover Third Form of Magnetism, a Potential ‘Missing Link’ to Superconductivity
Scientists have discovered altermagnetism, a third form of magnetism combining properties of ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism. This breakthrough bridges a critical gap in understanding superconductivity and could revolutionize magnetic memory devices by enhancing speed, resilience, and efficiency. Using advanced imaging techniques, researchers mapped the magnetic structure of manganese telluride and demonstrated its potential in spintronics, paving the way for next-generation technologies.
Scientists have uncovered a third form of magnetism, known as **altermagnetism**, which could revolutionize memory devices and advance superconductivity research. The findings, published on December 11 in *Nature*, provide the first concrete evidence of this elusive magnetic phenomenon.
Traditional magnetism has two well-known types: **ferromagnetism**, where magnetic moments align in the same direction (like a compass), and **antiferromagnetism**, where neighboring moments point in opposite directions (similar to a chessboard pattern). These magnetic moments, associated with electron spins, are critical for storing and transmitting information in magnetic memory devices.
What is Altermagnetism?
Altermagnetism, theorized in 2022, sits between ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism. Like antiferromagnetic materials, altermagnetic moments alternate direction between neighboring atoms. However, they are slightly twisted, giving the material ferromagnetic-like properties. This combination brings together the best features of both types:
– *Ferromagnetic benefit:* Easy read-and-write capabilities.
– *Antiferromagnetic advantage:* High speed and data resilience.
Altermagnets also exhibit **time reversal symmetry breaking**, a property tied to the quantum spins of electrons. This allows unique electrical behaviors to emerge, as reversing time flips the electron spin, breaking symmetry.
Breakthrough in Imaging and Control
The research team, led by Professor Peter Wadley at the University of Nottingham, used advanced imaging techniques like **photoemission electron microscopy** to study manganese telluride, a material previously thought to be antiferromagnetic. Using polarized X-rays, they created the first detailed map of magnetic domains in an altermagnetic material.
The team also fabricated altermagnetic devices by thermally manipulating the material’s internal magnetic structures, forming exotic vortex patterns with potential use in **spintronics**—a field that exploits electron spin for advanced data storage and processing.
Implications for Superconductivity
This discovery may fill a critical gap in the relationship between magnetism and superconductivity, potentially solving a longstanding puzzle in physics. According to co-author Alfred Dal Din, altermagnetism bridges a symmetry gap, offering new insights into the design of faster, more robust memory devices and aiding the development of improved superconducting materials.
This groundbreaking work could pave the way for next-generation technologies, combining speed, resilience, and efficiency in data storage and processing.
Disclaimer
This discovery is at an early stage, and practical applications in superconductivity and device manufacturing will require further research and development.
source : livescience