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Weyl magnons in breathing pyrochlore antiferromagnets

Author

Listed:
  • Fei-Ye Li

    (Institute of Theoretical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yao-Dong Li

    (School of Computer Science, Fudan University)

  • Yong Baek Kim

    (University of Toronto, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Quantum Materials Program
    School of Physics, Korea Institute for Advanced Study)

  • Leon Balents

    (Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics)

  • Yue Yu

    (Fudan University
    Center for Field Theory and Particle Physics, Fudan University
    Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures)

  • Gang Chen

    (Fudan University
    Center for Field Theory and Particle Physics, Fudan University
    Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures)

Abstract

Frustrated quantum magnets not only provide exotic ground states and unusual magnetic structures, but also support unconventional excitations in many cases. Using a physically relevant spin model for a breathing pyrochlore lattice, we discuss the presence of topological linear band crossings of magnons in antiferromagnets. These are the analogues of Weyl fermions in electronic systems, which we dub Weyl magnons. The bulk Weyl magnon implies the presence of chiral magnon surface states forming arcs at finite energy. We argue that such antiferromagnets present a unique example, in which Weyl points can be manipulated in situ in the laboratory by applied fields. We discuss their appearance specifically in the breathing pyrochlore lattice, and give some general discussion of conditions to find Weyl magnons, and how they may be probed experimentally. Our work may inspire a re-examination of the magnetic excitations in many magnetically ordered systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Fei-Ye Li & Yao-Dong Li & Yong Baek Kim & Leon Balents & Yue Yu & Gang Chen, 2016. "Weyl magnons in breathing pyrochlore antiferromagnets," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-7, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms12691
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12691
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