AlterSeeK-Path: Systematic construction of generalized band-structure paths for displaying altermagnetic spin splitting
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Altermagnetic materials exhibit spin splitting in their electronic band structures while maintaining zero net magnetization. However, conventional high-symmetry k-paths generally hide this splitting because they follow symmetry lines that in most cases enforce spin degeneracy. We present AlterSeeK-Path, an open-source Python tool that systematically constructs generalized band-structure paths for collinear altermagnets. The method selects the centroid of the conventional irreducible wedge used in routine band-structure calculations as the representative general k-point, maps it to a spin-flip-related partner, and inserts paired segments through these points into the standard high-symmetry path; these segments systematically sample the interior of the irreducible wedge. We demonstrate the construction for all 54 three-dimensional combinations of extended Bravais lattice type and spin Laue group across the six crystal systems that support collinear altermagnetism, and for the 12 two-dimensional cases spanning the four compatible two-dimensional Bravais lattices. Representative band structures are shown for the distinct lattice/path cases. With AlterSeeK-Path, these band structures can be constructed with essentially the same effort as conventional band structures.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Language: English
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funders: National Science Foundation, W. M. Keck Foundation, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Aspen Center for Physics, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea, Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo, Office of Naval Research, Division of Materials Research
OpenAlex ID: W7207869064