Asymmetric scattering induced Néel spin-orbit torque in antiferromagnets
Phys. Rev. B 114, 045434 – Published 29 July, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/czq1-vfck
Abstract
Magnetic switching in antiferromagnets relies on Néel spin-orbit torque (NSOT), which originates from an electric-field-induced staggered spin polarization of itinerant electrons. In collinear antiferromagnets, such a response requires the spin susceptibility to be odd under combined space-time inversion symmetry (), and is conventionally attributed to symmetric scattering processes. Here, we identify an additional -odd spin polarization in the linear response regime, generated by the interplay between antisymmetric higher-order scattering processes and the impurity-induced correction to the spin expectation value. Its compact weak-disorder form is controlled by band geometry, or the anomalous spin polarizability (ASP) of Bloch electrons, which converts an otherwise -even susceptibility into a staggered spin polarization. Using a minimal model of tetragonal , we show that the resulting anomalous skew-scattering contribution can be comparable to, and for sufficiently strong impurity effects in the present model can exceed, the conventional symmetric scattering (Drude) contribution. Our results identify a new band-geometry-assisted disorder mechanism for NSOT and clarify a route by which impurity scattering can enhance electrical control of antiferromagnets.