The Edelstein effect is the origin of the spin-orbit torque: a current-induced torque that is used for the electrical control of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic materials. This effect originates from the relativistic spin-orbit coupling, which necessitates utilizing materials with heavy elements. Here we show that in magnetic materials with non-collinear magnetic order, the Edelstein effect and consequently also a current-induced torque can exist even in the absence of the spin-orbit coupling. Using group symmetry analysis, model calculations, and realistic simulations on selected compounds, we identify large classes of non-collinear magnet candidates and demonstrate that the current-driven torque is of similar magnitude as the celebrated spin-orbit torque in conventional transition metal structures. We also show that this torque can exist in an insulating material, which could allow for highly efficient electrical control of magnetic order.
@article{arxiv.2310.06499,
title = {Non-relativistic torque and Edelstein effect in noncollinear magnets},
author = {Rafael González-Hernández and Philipp Ritzinger and Karel Výborný and Jakub Železný and Aurélien Manchon},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2310.06499},
year = {2023}
}