Distinguishing antiferromagnetic spin sublattices via the spin Seebeck effect

Abstract

We measured spin Seebeck signals at the top and bottom surfaces of an antiferromagnetic ${\mathrm{Cr}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$ film, using a $\mathrm{Pt}/{\mathrm{Cr}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3/\mathrm{Pt}$ trilayer. Our experimental data, combined with micromagnetic simulations, clearly demonstrate that the uncompensated sublattice at the top and bottom surfaces plays a decisive role in determining the symmetry of the spin Seebeck signals, providing fundamental insight for understanding the generation of spin Seebeck signal in antiferromagnetic materials.