Observation of time-reversal symmetry breaking in the band structure of altermagnetic RuO 2

Altermagnets are an emerging elementary class of collinear magnets. Unlike ferromagnets, their distinct crystal symmetries inhibit magnetization while, unlike antiferromagnets, they promote strong spin polarization in the band structure. The corresponding unconventional mechanism of time-reversal symmetry breaking without magnetization in the electronic spectra has been regarded as a primary signature of altermagnetism but has not been experimentally visualized to date. We directly observe strong time-reversal symmetry breaking in the band structure of altermagnetic RuO 2 by detecting magnetic circular dichroism in angle-resolved photoemission spectra. Our experimental results, supported by ab initio…

• DF
  Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

  Awards: 268565370, 173 268565370
• BF
  Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung