Journal Article

FZJ-2026-03973

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Confinement-induced altermagnetism in RuO 2 ultrathin films

Brahimi, S. (Corresponding author) ; Prakash Rai, D. ; Lounis, S.FZJ*

2025
IOP Publ. Bristol

This record in other databases:  

Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1088/1361-648X/ae084f  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2026-03973

Abstract: The magnetic properties of bulk RuO2 remain a subject of active debate, despite its pivotal role in the emergence of altermagnetism. The latter is a novel paradigm in magnetic phases, characterized by the absence of net magnetization due to anti-parallel alignment of magnetic moments, yet displaying finite spin-splitting in the electronic band structure. This unique behavior unlocks opportunities for advanced applications in information technology devices. Recent experimental and theoretical investigations suggest that bulk RuO2, contrary to prior assumptions, is non-magnetic. In this work, we propose the fabrication of RuO2 ultrathin films to robustly stabilize the altermagnetic phase. Unlike their bulk counterparts, ultrathin films up to about 2 nm thickness experience substantial strain relaxation, leading to a dramatic impact on the electronic structure that triggers a transition towards an altermagnetic behavior, which mimics the impact of an artificially applied Hubbard-U correction to account for electronic correlations. Our results imply that the surface sensitiveness of the probing experimental techniques is essential to sense the altermagnetic behavior emerging at RuO2 surfaces. Our findings promote the use and exploration of ultrathin films for the realization of spintronic devices based on altermagnets.

---

Contributing Institute(s):

1. Quanten-Theorie der Materialien (PGI-1)

Research Program(s):

1. 5211 - Topological Matter (POF4-521) (POF4-521)

---

Database coverage:
; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Electronics and Telecommunications Collection ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; National-Konsortium ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

---