Six-state manipulation of Mn3Sn via spin–orbit torque

The electrical control of the magnetic octupole in chiral antiferromagnets is essential for advanced spintronic devices. Based on atomistic spin model simulations, this work investigates the dynamical behavior of spin–orbit torque (SOT)-driven magnetic state switching in the chiral antiferromagnet Mn3Sn. By precisely tuning the amplitude and width of the current pulses, deterministic and sequential switching of the magnetic octupole moment among its six energy-degenerate states can be achieved. The unidirectional out-of-plane lifting of the magnetic moments from the kagome plane during the pulse duration governs the post-pulse precession of the magnetic octupole and determines its final state after relaxation. Furthermore, this work verifies that the stable states of Mn3Sn exhibit a clock-like stepping switching behavior under the action of sequential current pulses. This study reveals the ultrafast manipulation mechanism of the six-state magnetic order of Mn3Sn driven by SOT, providing a theoretical foundation for developing multi-state spintronic devices.