Spin-orbitronics and Dirac quasiparticles are two fields of condensed matter physics initiated independently about a decade ago. Here we predict that Dirac quasiparticles can be controlled by the spin-orbit torque reorientation of the N\'{e}el vector in an antiferromagnet. Using CuMnAs as an example, we formulate symmetry criteria allowing for the co-existence of Dirac quasiparticles and N\'{e}el spin-orbit torques. We identify the non-symmorphic crystal symmetry protection of Dirac band crossings whose on and off switching is mediated by the N\'{e}el vector reorientation. We predict that this concept, verified by minimal model and density functional calculations in the CuMnAs semimetal antiferromagnet, can lead to a topological metal-insulator transition driven by the N\'{e}el vector and to the corresponding topological anisotropic magnetoresistance.
@article{arxiv.1610.08107,
title = {Electric control of Dirac quasiparticles by spin-orbit torque in an antiferromagnet},
author = {Libor Šmejkal and Jakub Železný and Jairo Sinova and Tomáš Jungwirth},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1610.08107},
year = {2017}
}