Spin-torque control of the noncollinear antiferromagnetic order in antiperovskites

Antiferromagnetic (AFM) spintronics exploits the AFM order to control the spin-dependent transport properties. Recent theoretical studies suggest that the AFM order parameter can be switched by a spin torque, while the related experimental realizations are limited to a few collinear antiferromagnets. There is, however, a large group of high temperature noncollinear antiferromagnets, which are suitable for such switching. Here, we predict that the spin torque can be efficiently used to control the noncollinear AFM order in antiperovskite materials. Based on first-principles calculations and atomistic spin model simulations, we show that in antiperovskites ANMn₃ (A = Ga, Ni, etc) with the Γ_4g AFM ground state, the AFM order parameter can be switched on the picosecond scale by a spin-transfer torque generated by a spin polarized current. The threshold switching current density can be tuned by the ANMn₃ stoichiometry engineering, changing the magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The Γ_4g AFM phase supports the anomalous Hall effect, which can be used to detect the spin-torque switching of the AFM order. The predicted ultrafast switching dynamics and the efficient detection of AFM order parameter make noncollinear AFM antiperovskites promising material platforms for AFM spintronics.