Chiral altermagnon in MnTe.

October 29, 2026| Source: Science (New York, N.Y.)

Altermagnetism has been recognized as a magnetic phase that bridges the properties of ferro- and antiferromagnetism. The momentum-dependent spin splitting observed in these materials reflects their distinctive symmetry characteristics, which also establish the conditions for chiral magnons to emerge. Here we provide direct experimental evidence for a chiral magnon in the altermagnetic candidate manganese telluride (MnTe) revealed by circular-dichroism resonant inelastic x-ray scattering. This mode, which we term chiral altermagnon, exhibits a distinct momentum dependence of its spin polarization consistent with the altermagnetic g -wave symmetry of MnTe. Our polarization-resolved data corroborate the existence of a discrete class of magnetic excitations, demonstrating how altermagnetic order shapes spin dynamics and paving the way for advances in spintronic and quantum technologies.

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Historical trends show more declining than increasing species among European pollinators.

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Physical/TechOctober 29, 2026

The delocalized nature of chemical bonding at a catalytic metal surface.

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Extensive glacier loss in the coterminous United States.

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Physical/TechOctober 27, 2026

Scientists disrupt less but more persistently with career aging.

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