University of Jyväskylä contributes to new research on spin currents in altermagnets
Modern electronics is based on the electric charge of electrons. Spintronics is a field of research that exploits the electron’s spin, in addition to its electrical charge, to develop new ways of processing and storing information. Researchers are particularly interested in altermagnets, magnetic materials with zero net magnetization but distinctive spin-dependent electronic properties, that can generate spin currents.
An international researcher team studied the altermagnet candidate Mn₅Si₃ using a lateral spin-valve device and observed changes in the detected spin signal when the material's magnetic state was reversed. These results provide direct evidence of spin injection linked to the altermagnetic state of a compensated magnet.
The University of Jyväskylä is involved in the theoretical modeling of the results
The experimental findings supported via a transport model based on diffusion equations. Postdoctoral Researcher Tim Kokkeler from the University of Jyväskylä also participated in the development of the model.
- Our theoretical model helps describe spin transport properties and how the measured signals relate to the underlying transport mechanisms, says Kokkeler.
From basic research to future applications
The findings could inform future research into spintronic devices that exploit magnetic materials without net magnetization.
- In the long term, these findings could help develop a new generation of electronics that processes information faster and more energy-efficiently, says Kokkeler.
The research also involved Sebastian Bergeret, who is currently a new InstituteQ Chair of Excellence, hosted at University of Jyväskylä. The study was published in the journal Nature on 28.10.2026.
Article information:
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Link to article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-11227-7
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DOI number: 10.1038/s41586-026-11227-7
