Electric control of Dirac quasiparticles by spin-orbit torque in an antiferromagnet

Understand

Spin-orbitronics and Dirac quasiparticles are two fields of condensed matter physics initiated independently about a decade ago.

• Here we predict that Dirac quasiparticles can be controlled by the spin-orbit torque reorientation of the N\'{e}el vector in an antiferromagnet.
• Using CuMnAs as an example, we formulate symmetry criteria allowing for the co-existence of Dirac quasiparticles and N\'{e}el spin-orbit torques.
• We identify the non-symmorphic crystal symmetry protection of Dirac band crossings whose on and off switching is mediated by the N\'{e}el vector reorientation.