Research Projects

Altermagnetism is a recently identified magnetic order that exhibits spin split bands despite having zero net magnetization, making it fundamentally distinct from conventional ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic states. RuO2, a candidate altermagnet, presents a promising platform to explore the inter- play among altermagnetism, strong electronic correlations, and strain effects, particularly in its thin film form. In this work, we aim to investigate the microscopic origin and tunability of altermagnetism in the thin film RuO2. We will begin with the first principle density functional theory (DFT) calculation to obtain accurate electronic structures, focusing on strain induced modifications in thin films. These DFT-derived band structures will serve as the basis for many body calculations using the U (1) slave spin formalism, which enables a quantitative analysis of correlation driven renormalization of quasiparticle weights. To track the emergence and stability of the altermagnetic state under varying strain and correlation strength, we will compute the Matsubara spin susceptibil- ity. This will shed light on the origin of the altermagnetic state. Furthermore, to understand how inhomogeneities such as impurities and edges affect the al- termagnetic order, we will implement real space mean field modeling. This approach will allow us to examine local charge redistribution and spin texture in finite geometries, providing insight into defect driven reconfiguration of mag- netic order. Beyond fundamental understanding, we will explore the spintronic potential of RuO2 thin films. Due to the spin split band with zero macroscopic magnetic moments, altermagnets are emerging as promising candidates for next genera- tion spintronic applications. Key properties such as spin polarization, magnetic anisotropy energy, and spin current response will be computed within a mean field framework to evaluate the effectiveness of the material in spintronic devices. RuO2 thin films, with their altermagnetism, superconductivity, and spin split bands, provide a proper platform to study the superconducting diode effect. These features enable a helical superconducting phase with finite momentum Cooper pairing under in plane magnetic fields. This leads to the superconduct- ing diode effect, where the critical current becomes directionally asymmetric, making it promising for quantum and classical computing applications. The efficiency of RuO2 as a superconducting diode will be explored by examining its nonreciprocal transport properties under broken inversion and time reversal symmetry conditions. Taken together, this work will present a comprehensive theoretical frame- work for understanding the microscopic origin of altermagnetism in strongly correlated systems and explore how strain and disorder can modulate its behav- ior. It also evaluates the potential of RuO2 thin films for emerging technologies like spintronics and superconducting diodes