arXiv subjects

Zhaobo Zhou

Publications and source records attributed to Zhaobo Zhou.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Magnetizing altermagnets by ultrafast asymmetric spin dynamics

Laser pulses are known to induce symmetric demagnetization: equal loss of magnetic moments in the identical sublattices of antiferromagnets and ferromagnets at ultrashort timescales. Using time-dependent density functional theory, we show that linearly polarized laser pulses can drive asymmetric demagnetization between otherwise identical sublattices in the $d$-wave compensated altermagnet (AM) RuO$_2$, resulting in a \textit{photo-induced ferrimagnetic state} with a strong net magnetization of $\sim$0.2 $μ_B$ per unit cell. The sign and magnitude of this metastable magnetization are highly controllable by laser polarization. We identify polarization-selective asymmetric optical intersite spin transfer (a-OISTR) as the primary mechanism generating the net moment, followed by asymmetric spin flips (a-SF) that further amplifies it. Both effects originate from the characteristic nodal spin band topology of \textit{d}-wave AMs. Moreover, we demonstrate that this laser-induced magnetization is universal across various $d$-wave AMs, including experimentally confirmed KV$_2$Se$_2$O and RbV$_2$Te$_2$O. We uncover a robust route to light-controlled magnetization in AMs on ultrafast timescales.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Ultrafast controlling net magnetization in g-wave altermagnets via laser fields

The diverse nodal spin structures in d/g/i-wave altermagnets (AM) may cause distinct light-induced spin responses yet remain poorly understood. Using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), we reveal that laser induced ultrafast demagnetization dynamics in the g-wave AM CrSb are strongly governed by the laser incidence direction. Under normal incidence along the [0001] axis, two Cr sublattices exhibit symmetric temporal demagnetization but with different amplitudes, preserving the net-zero magnetization, unlike the behavior in d-wave AM. Off-normal incidence, however, induces pronounced asymmetric demagnetization between sublattices, transiently driving the system into a ferrimagnetic-like state with a sizable net magnetization. This direction-dependent response arises from the characteristic nodal structures in bulk g-wave AM electronic structure, which enable anisotropic optical intersite spin transfer (OISTR). By comparing g-wave and d-wave AMs, we propose that light-induced magnetization arises when laser polarization aligns with spin-uncompensated regions in electronic structures. This can be readily determined from the local spin density of states along specific band paths. Our results provide a fundamental understanding for laser-induced ultrafast dynamics in AM.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Coherent Phonon Control of Ultrafast Magnetization Dynamics in Fe$_\text{3}$GeTe$_\text{2}$ from Time-Dependent Ab Initio Theory

Exploring ultrafast magnetization control in two-dimensional (2D) magnets through optically driven coherent phonons has been well-established. Yet, the microscopic interplay between spin dynamics and lattice degrees of freedom remains less explored. Employing real-time time-dependent density functional theory (rt-TDDFT) coupled with Ehrenfest dynamics, we systematically investigate laser-induced spin-nuclei dynamics with coherent phonon excitation in the 2D ferromagnet Fe3GeTe2. We found that selectively pre-exciting three typical coherent phonon modes results in up to a 53% additional spin moment loss in an out-of-plane A2 1g mode within ~50 fs. Coherent phonon control of spin dynamics is closely linked to laser pulse parameters. The underlying microscopic mechanism of this phenomenon is primarily governed by coherent phonon-induced asymmetric spin-resolved charge transfer following the disappearance of the laser pulse, thereby enabling effective control of the spin moment loss. Our findings offer a novel insight into the coupling of coherent phonons with spin systems in 2D limits on femtosecond timescales.

physics.comp-ph↗