Large Photoelasticity in Topological Antiferromagnet Mn${}_3$Sn Studied by Coherent Acoustic Phonon

Abstract

We investigate the role of ultrafast strain on the electronic and optical responses in topological antiferromagnet Mn${}_3$Sn thin films using near-infrared femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy. Coherent acoustic phonons are generated and exhibit remarkably large oscillations in differential transmission exceeding 1% in amplitude. Our quantitative analysis reveals that Mn${}_3$Sn possesses an unusually large near-infrared photoelastic coefficient, several times greater than those in conventional materials, indicating a remarkable sensitivity of the electronic states to lattice distortions. This work establishes a quantitative framework for understanding and utilizing strain-induced responses in Mn${}_3$Sn, paving a foundation for exploring coupled electron-phonon-magnon dynamics for ultrafast straintronics.