Altermagnetism: A New Class of Magnetic Order

• 11 Nov 2025

Source: TH 

Researchers have identified altermagnetism as a distinct magnetic phase beyond traditional ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism, with promising implications for next-generation technologies. 

• Altermagnets: It represents a third magnetic phase, distinct from the traditional categories of ferromagnetism (where magnetic moments align in parallel) and antiferromagnetism (where moments alternate and cancel each other out) 
  • In altermagnetic materials, magnetic moments still alternate, but their arrangement follows more complex symmetry operations, such as rotation or reflection, rather than simple shifts.  
    • This results in a net-zero external magnetic field, like antiferromagnets, but with internal electronic behavior similar to ferromagnets, where the spins can split into different energy bands. 
• Features of Altermagnets:  They can exhibit the anomalous Hall effect (sideways voltage without an external magnetic field). 
  • Altermagnets have no net magnetic field externally, making them less susceptible to magnetic disturbances. 
  • Their magnetic neutrality reduces interference, making them suited for dense, fast, and energy-efficient electronic and spintronic devices. 
• Applications: Altermagnets show promise in spintronics, where data is processed using electron spin rather than electric charge.  
  • They could enable faster memory and logic devices with less energy use. 
  • Since they generate low magnetic noise, they may also support quantum technologies, offering more stable platforms for future computing. 

Read more: Mpemba Effect in Magnets