Unveiling Unusual Ultrafast Motion and Rare Physics in Layered Magnetic Materials and Uranium Ditelluride Crystals

Scientists have discovered an unusual ultrafast mechanical motion tied to a change in magnetic state in layered antiferromagnetic materials. By scrambling the ordered orientation of electron spins in the material using ultrafast laser pulses, the researchers observed a sliding motion between layers, with each oscillation occurring at an incredible speed of 10 to 100 picoseconds. This discovery could have important implications for nanodevices requiring ultra-precise and fast motion control, such as high-speed nanomotors for biomedical applications.