Nanowerk August 22, 2018
A systematic study of symmetry and topology in magnetic materials has been challenging given that there are 1651 magnetic space groups (MSGs). By using an efficient representation of allowed band structures, an international team of researchers (Japan, USA – Harvard University) obtained a systematic description of several basic properties of free electrons in all MSGs in three dimensions, as well as in the 528 magnetic layer groups relevant to two-dimensional magnetic materials. They computed constraints on electron fillings and band connectivity compatible with insulating behavior. Crystalline insulators and topological semimetals could be exploited to use the spin of the electron to perform computation in a more energy efficient way and create the hardware for topological quantum computers…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE