Magnetic Ripples: How Relativity Plays with Spins
In a typical magnet, all spins of electrons (internal ‘arrows’-magnets, discovered by Pauli) point one way. Altermagnets, like MnTe, are trickier: these arrows alternate direction, like ripples spreading from a pebble tossed into water. But here’s the twist — the ripple arises from the electrons’ own motion.