NBIA Colloquium: Daniel Agterberg

Speaker: Daniel Agterberg (University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee)

Title: Altermagnets: a new technologically relevant class of quantum magnets

Abstract: Magnetism underpins much of our current information technology. It also derives purely from quantum mechanics. Traditionally, discussion emphasizes two classes of magnets: usual ferromagnets, which underly data storage devices, and antiferromagnets, in which magnetic moments adopt an up-down structural motif. Recently, a new class of magnets, altermagnets, has generated tremendous interest. This class mixes properties of ferromagnets and antiferromagnets in a way that is promising for future applications.  In this talk, after introducing and discussing the quantum mechanical origins of traditional classes of magnetism, I will turn to altermagnetism to highlight our current understanding of these materials and discuss how this understanding is providing a new lens for future research in quantum magnetism.   

Brief bio-sketch: 

Daniel Agterberg received his BSc in Physics from the University of Waterloo in 1991, his MSc in 1992 and his PhD in 1996, both from the University of Toronto. He was a research associate at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) – Zurich from 1996 to 1998 and from 1998 to 2000 at National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University. Since 2000, Daniel Agterberg has been working at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he holds the rank of professor.

He works on the theoretical description of quantum materials, emphasizing the role of electronic interactions, symmetry, and topology in establishing fundamentally and technological important material properties.

Professor Agterberg has held visiting scientist positions at Argonne National Laboratory, Stanford University, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH-Zurich), and the University of Tokyo.