- Letter
Rational control of magnonic and electronic band splittings
Phys. Rev. B 112, L100402 – Published 3 September, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/c3kh-5s5t
Abstract
We provide a theoretical demonstration of controllable nonrelativistic spin splitting in both electronic and magnonic bands via targeted structural distortions tied to specific phonon modes. Using as a model system, we identify a -wave magnon band splitting between magnon modes of specific handedness, directly correlated with the nonrelativistic spin splitting observed in the electronic structure. Crucially, we show that structural distortions associated with the and phonon modes (8.52 and 9.74 THz) modulate these splittings without altering the antiferromagnetic order. The effect originates from changes in the nonmagnetic ligand environment, highlighting the key role of lattice degrees of freedom in governing spin dynamics. Our findings establish a novel route for structure-mediated control of spin splitting, opening possibilities for tunable magnonic and spintronic functionalities in antiferromagnetic materials.