Spin-orbit torque manipulation of sub-terahertz magnons in antiferromagnetic α-Fe₂O₃

The ability to electrically manipulate antiferromagnetic magnons, essential for extending the operating speed of spintronic devices into the terahertz regime, remains a major challenge. This is because antiferromagnetic magnetism is challenging to perturb using traditional methods such as magnetic fields. Recent developments in spin-orbit torques have opened a possibility of accessing antiferromagnetic magnetic order parameters and controlling terahertz magnons, which has not been experimentally realised yet. Here, we demonstrate the electrical manipulation of sub-terahertz magnons in the α-Fe₂O₃/Pt antiferromagnetic heterostructure. By applying the spin-orbit torques in the heterostructure, we can modify the magnon dispersion and decrease the magnon frequency in α-Fe₂O₃, as detected by time-resolved magneto-optical techniques. We have found that optimal tuning occurs when the Néel vector is perpendicular to the injected spin polarisation. Our results represent a significant step towards the development of electrically tunable terahertz spintronic devices.