Have you heard of altermagnets, a new kind of magnet and magnetism that is made from a blend of several different classes of existing magnets? As is progressively more important in our modern world, they could be used to make high-capacity and fast memory devices, as well as new types of magnetic computers.

 

Magnetism Through Time

Up until the 20th century, scientists believed there was only one kind of permanent magnet: the ferromagnet. Their magnetic fields come from the magnets’ electrons spinning and lining up in one direction. Ferromagnets can be seen in traditional magnets (e.g., fridge magnets and compass needles). 

 

In the 30s, we discovered a new kind of magnetism: antiferromagnetism. In this case, the electrons’ spin alternates up and down. In 2019, researchers were able to predict an odd electrical current in certain antiferromagnets. This was called the anomalous Hall effect. In studying the Hall effect, a third kind of permanent magnetism was discovered. Altermagnetism!

What is Altermagnetism?

On the surface, altermagnets would look like antiferromagnets; however, the spins would look identical from any angle. Altermagnetism was later confirmed at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen, Switzerland by measuring the electron structure in a crystal, manganese telluride (previously thought to be antiferromagnetic).

 

Richard Evans from the University of York, UK, says, “It’s really nice verification that these materials do exist.” As an added benefit, because altermagnets don’t have external magnetic fields like ferromagnets, they can be used to make magnetic devices that don’t interfere with each other.

Apex Magnets

Discoveries in magnetism have revolutionized numerous industries, showcasing their transformative potential across sectors. At Apex Magnets, our own catalog unveils a spectrum of possibilities. Should queries arise during your exploration, feel free to connect with us at 1-304-257-1193. Our team awaits the opportunity to delve into your unique application needs.