Fully funded 3-year PhD offer on the effect of strain on altermagnets at Sorbonne University, Paris, France (Deadline: 24.04.2026)
Context
Altermagnetism represents a newly-discovered magnetic order which lays halfway between
antiferromagnetism and ferromagnetism, combining antiparallel spin configuration and zero net
magnetisation of the former, and the presence of magnetic signatures (such as the anomalous Hall
effect) of the latter. This combination of properties makes altermagnets promising for spintronics
application by combining the advantages of both orders. Altermagnetism existence was experimentally
observed in MnTe [1], CrSb [2], and FeS [3].
Since the origin of altermagnetism lies in lattice symmetry [4], it is expected that altermagnets will be
strongly influenced by its alterations, as it was observed in CrSb [5]. Therefore, symmetry alteration
by an external parameter is expected to affect the altermagnetic properties. Among external
parameters, strain is a powerful tool, able to modify the electronic band structure or the magnetic
anisotropy, with direct impact on the magnetic properties and the spin configuration. Recently, a
strain-induced transition between antiferromagnet to altermagnet was indirectly observed in FeS [6].
This makes strain an ideal “knob” to control future altermagnetic devices.
[1] Krempaský et al, Nature 626, 517 (2024) ; [2] Yang et al, Nat. Comm. 16, 1442 (2025) ; [3] Takagi et al, Nat.
Mater. 24, 63 (2024) ; [4] S�mejkal et al, Phys. Rev. X 12, 031042 (2022) ; [5] Zhou et al, Nature 638, 645 (2025) ;
[6] Yao et al, ArXiv:2602.14790 (2026).
PhD Objectives.
The PhD student will perform crystal growth, strain-dependent x-ray diffraction and Raman
spectroscopy to calibrate the applied strain, static magneto-optics Kerr effect measurements to probe
the Néel vector, and ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy to track phonon and magnetic dynamics under
controlled deformation. This approach allows to measure the dynamics of magnetic properties, which
is essential to assess the potential of these materials in high-speed, field-free spintronics architectures.
Candidate Profile
The candidate should have a strong background in condensed matter physics or materials science.
Experience in crystal growth, characterization techniques, or spectroscopy is desirable but not
mandatory. The student should be motivated, rigorous, and able to work collaboratively in an
interdisciplinary environment. Interest in quantum materials, advanced spectroscopy and functional
properties is highly recommended.
Supervision and Hosting Lab
Maurizio MONTI (INSP) – maurizio.monti@sorbonne-universite.fr
Yannick KLEIN (IMPMC) – yannick.klein@sorbonne-universite.fr
Application Procedure
Required documents: CV, motivation letter and transcripts of master courses.
Application deadline: April 10th 2026.
Altermagnetism represents a newly-discovered magnetic order which lays halfway between
antiferromagnetism and ferromagnetism, combining antiparallel spin configuration and zero net
magnetisation of the former, and the presence of magnetic signatures (such as the anomalous Hall
effect) of the latter. This combination of properties makes altermagnets promising for spintronics
application by combining the advantages of both orders. Altermagnetism existence was experimentally
observed in MnTe [1], CrSb [2], and FeS [3].
Since the origin of altermagnetism lies in lattice symmetry [4], it is expected that altermagnets will be
strongly influenced by its alterations, as it was observed in CrSb [5]. Therefore, symmetry alteration
by an external parameter is expected to affect the altermagnetic properties. Among external
parameters, strain is a powerful tool, able to modify the electronic band structure or the magnetic
anisotropy, with direct impact on the magnetic properties and the spin configuration. Recently, a
strain-induced transition between antiferromagnet to altermagnet was indirectly observed in FeS [6].
This makes strain an ideal “knob” to control future altermagnetic devices.
[1] Krempaský et al, Nature 626, 517 (2024) ; [2] Yang et al, Nat. Comm. 16, 1442 (2025) ; [3] Takagi et al, Nat.
Mater. 24, 63 (2024) ; [4] S�mejkal et al, Phys. Rev. X 12, 031042 (2022) ; [5] Zhou et al, Nature 638, 645 (2025) ;
[6] Yao et al, ArXiv:2602.14790 (2026).
PhD Objectives.
The PhD student will perform crystal growth, strain-dependent x-ray diffraction and Raman
spectroscopy to calibrate the applied strain, static magneto-optics Kerr effect measurements to probe
the Néel vector, and ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy to track phonon and magnetic dynamics under
controlled deformation. This approach allows to measure the dynamics of magnetic properties, which
is essential to assess the potential of these materials in high-speed, field-free spintronics architectures.
Candidate Profile
The candidate should have a strong background in condensed matter physics or materials science.
Experience in crystal growth, characterization techniques, or spectroscopy is desirable but not
mandatory. The student should be motivated, rigorous, and able to work collaboratively in an
interdisciplinary environment. Interest in quantum materials, advanced spectroscopy and functional
properties is highly recommended.
Supervision and Hosting Lab
Maurizio MONTI (INSP) – maurizio.monti@sorbonne-universite.fr
Yannick KLEIN (IMPMC) – yannick.klein@sorbonne-universite.fr
Application Procedure
Required documents: CV, motivation letter and transcripts of master courses.
Application deadline: April 10th 2026.
