Colloquium: Xianghan Xu, UMN
Abstract: In the realm of quantum materials, symmetries play a fundamental role in governing the intricate interactions among charge, spin, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom, thereby giving rise to complex ordering phenomena. In this presentation, I will discuss my research focused on the exploration of innovative antiferromagnetic materials that exhibit intercoupling with other physical properties driven by symmetries. Specifically, I will highlight the manifestation of type-II multiferroicity in CoTe6O13, a material preserving PT symmetry, and the emergence of altermagnetism in Ca2Fe2O5, a material where PT symmetry is broken. These discoveries provide insights into the development of antiferromagnetic systems hosting novel quantum phases and advanced technological functionalities.