DC spin current driven by low-frequency light in altermagnets
Phys. Rev. B 114, 014405 – Published 1 July, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/3j6x-397h
Abstract
Efficient generation of DC spin-polarized currents via light is a promising route toward ultrafast spintronics, yet remains challenging. Here, we show that altermagnets, a class of antiferromagnets with symmetry-driven spin splitting, can generate DC spin currents via the nonlinear spin Hall effect. Using a three-dimensional Hubbard model, we identify the Berry curvature dipole as the dominant source of the nonlinear response, while the first-order quantum-metric-like term yields only ac spin currents. The contribution from the Berry connection polarizability is found to vanish in the absence of spin-orbit coupling. A comprehensive symmetry analysis of all noncentrosymmetric spin point groups, supported by first-principles calculations for , establishes altermagnets as a robust platform for pure spin-current generation. The predicted second-order spin-current conductivity reaches the range, demonstrating experimental feasibility and highlighting the promise of altermagnets for ultrafast spintronics, including terahertz applications.