Theory of Non-Reciprocal Optical Effects in Antiferromagnets: The Case Cr_2O_3

Abstract

A microscopic model of non-reciprocal optical effects in antiferromagnets is developed by considering the case of Cr_2O_3 where such effects have been observed. These effects are due to a direct coupling between light and the antiferromagnetic order parameter. This coupling is mediated by the spin-orbit interaction and involves an interplay between the breaking of inversion symmetry due to the antiferromagnetic order parameter and the trigonal field contribution to the ligand field at the magnetic ion. We evaluate the matrix elements relevant for the non-reciprocal second harmonic generation and gyrotropic birefringence.

arXiv commentaccepted for publication in Phys. Rev. B

References in corpus (1)

• A Microscopic Model of Non-Reciprocal Optical Effects in Cr_2 O_3

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• Resonant optical control of the structural distortions that drive ultrafast demagnetization in Cr${}_2$O${}_3$
• Spin wave mediated non-reciprocal effects in antiferromagnets
• Model of ultrafast demagnetization driven by spin-orbit coupling in a photoexcited antiferromagnetic insulator Cr2O3
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