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arXiv · 2508.07234

On the N\'eel Vector Dependence of X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism in Altermagnets

Jan Kuneš
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Abstract

Dependence of x-ray magnetic circular dichroism on the experimental geometry is described by a frequency-dependent Hall vector. Using group theory, we derive a general relationship between the Hall vector and the orientation of the N\'eel vector $\bL$ in altermagnets within the free valence spin (FVS) approximation, where the spin-orbit coupling of the valence electrons and their exchange interaction with the core electrons are neglected. For a given spin point group, the full $\bL$-dependence of the Hall vector can be expressed in terms of several irreducible spectral functions. This derivation generalizes earlier results for the special cases of MnTe and MnF$_2$. Depending on the system symmetry, XMCD in the FVS approximation may be present, emerge only when the neglected terms are included, or be completely forbidden.

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Jan Kuneš. 2025-08-10. On the N\'eel Vector Dependence of X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism in Altermagnets. https://doi.org/10.1103/s1rn-qw4h

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