Current-induced spin-orbit torques (SOTs) provide a crucial mechanism for the electrical control of antiferromagnetic order. However, SOTs in antiferromagnets (AFMs) and the resulting spin dynamics remain largely unexplored. Here we present a complete classifications of SOTs in bulk collinear AFMs based on magnetic point group symmetry. Depending on the symmetry operations that connect the two antiparallel spin sublattices, the SOTs are categorized into six distinct types. We focus on three representative AFMs in which the spin sublattices are linked by fractional translation, spatial inversion, or neither of these symmetries, respectively. Using first-principles calculations within Kubo linear response theory, we compute the SOTs on each sublattices, and simulate the Néel vector dynamics via the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation. In the prototypical $\mathit{PT}$-symmetric AFM and the inversion symmetry breaking altermagnet, our simulations reveal that deterministic Néel vector switching can be driven entirely by field-like torques. Moreover, all-electrical writing of a single domain state with preset Néel vector direction, as well as ${180}^{\circ }$ deterministic switching is attainable. This work sheds light on current-controlled antiferromagnetic orders in collinear AFMs. In particular, for the inversion symmetry breaking altermagnet, the demonstrated electrical writing and reading of the Néel vector hold promise for antiferromagnetic memory applications.

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• Antiferromagnetism
• Magnetism
• Magnetization dynamics
• Spin-orbit coupling
• Spin-orbit torque
• Spintronics
• Altermagnets
• Antiferromagnets
• Density functional theory
• First-principles calculations