Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

    Tunable valley-contrasting Rashba effect and spatially disentangled photocurrents in Janus altermagnetic Mn2P2X3Y3 monolayers

    Shuai Chen1, Meng Ge1, Helong Chen1, Jianing Tan2, and Gang Ouyang1,3,*

    • 1Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Structures and Quantum Control of Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
    • 2Department of Physics, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, Hunan, China
    • 3State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou 510275, China

    • *Contact author: gangouy@hunnu.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. B 114, 045426 – Published 23 July, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/3r4h-zlhp

    Abstract

    Janus engineering provides a promising route for converting two-dimensional (2D) antiferromagnets into altermagnets, yet the implications of the resulting symmetry breaking and built-in electric field remain poorly understood. Using first-principles calculations, we identify Janus Mn2P2X3Y3 (X≠Y=S, Se, Te) monolayers as a multifunctional 2D altermagnetic platform. We find that the built-in electric field induces a valley-contrasting Rashba effect, which we elucidate through a k·p model incorporating the second-order spin-orbit coupling term. Crucially, spin-group symmetry enforces spatial decoupling of charge and pure spin shift currents, allowing dynamic switching of their directions via light polarization. Furthermore, strain engineering drives a semiconductor-to-metal transition in telluride members, accompanied by subsequent magnetic easy axis reorientation. Our study establishes Mn2P2X3Y3 monolayers as theoretical platforms for exploring tunable optospintronic and valleytronic physics, and provides symmetry-based design strategies for future practical device applications.

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

    Authorization Required

    We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

    Supplemental Material (Subscription Required)

    References (Subscription Required)

    Outline

    Information

    Sign In to Your Journals Account

    Filter

    Filter

    Article Lookup

    Enter a citation