Story perspectives

Light-Induced Zero-Bias Photocurrent Flips in Bilayer Antiferromagnet

5/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

University of Tokyo researchers reported on May 18, 2026 that illumination generates a zero-bias photocurrent in a bilayer antiferromagnet.
The photocurrent reverses direction when the material switches between its two opposite antiferromagnetic states.
No current is detected without antiferromagnetic order, confirming the effect depends on magnetic configuration.
A quantum-geometric model based on parity-time symmetry reproduces the observed photon-energy dependence and suggests ultralow-power opto-spintronic and quantum-sensor applications.

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Story summary

University of Tokyo researchers reported on May 18, 2026 that illumination generates a zero-bias photocurrent in a bilayer antiferromagnet.
The photocurrent reverses direction when the material switches between its two opposite antiferromagnetic states.
No current is detected without antiferromagnetic order, confirming the effect depends on magnetic configuration.
A quantum-geometric model based on parity-time symmetry reproduces the observed photon-energy dependence and suggests ultralow-power opto-spintronic and quantum-sensor applications.