Currentless reversal of N\'{e}el vector in antiferromagnets

The bias driven perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is a magneto-electric effect that can realize 90$^0$ magnetization rotation and even 180$^0$ flip along the easy axis in the ferromagnets with a minimal energy consumption. This study theoretically demonstrates a similar phenomenon of the N\'{e}el vector reversal via a short electrical pulse that can mediate perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in the antiferromagnets. The analysis based on the dynamical equations as well as the micromagnetic simulations reveals the important role of the inertial behavior in the antiferromagnets that facilitates the N\'{e}el vector to overcome the barrier between two free-energy minima of the bistable states along the easy axis. In contrast to the ferromagnets, this N\'{e}el vector reversal does not accompany angular moment transfer to the environment, leading to acceleration in the dynamical response by a few orders of magnitude. Further, a small switching energy requirement of a few attojoules illustrates an added advantage of the phenomenon in low-power spintronic applications.