Imaging the N\'eel Vector in Two-Dimensional Antiferromagnets using Antisymmetric Compton Scattering
Abstract
We demonstrate that antisymmetric Compton scattering can detect both the switching and the continuous rotation of the N\'eel vector in two-dimensional (2D) antiferromagnets. By probing magnetoelectric (ME) multipoles, which couple electric and magnetic dipoles, this approach overcomes the limitations of conventional techniques that rely on a finite net magnetization. Using a group-theoretical decomposition of the staggered moments in 2D MnPS into irreducible representations, combined with first-principles calculations, we show that the antisymmetric Compton profile (ACP) is highly sensitive to the N\'eel vector orientation: it reverses sign under N\'eel vector reversal and exhibits distinct anisotropies under in-plane rotation. These results establish the ACP as a versatile probe of antiferromagnetic (AFM) order and magnetoelectric phenomena in van der Waals materials.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2607.25418,
title = {Imaging the N\'eel Vector in Two-Dimensional Antiferromagnets using Antisymmetric Compton Scattering},
author = {Wuxuan Li and Zhuocheng Lu and Jingshan Qi and Hua Wang and Kai Chang},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2607.25418},
year = {2026}
}
Comments
5 pages, 4 figures