Laser-enhanced magnetism in SmFeO3

Quantum magnetic materials enable the clean realization of many-body states on macroscopic length scales. Dynamic control at terahertz (THz) frequencies is a new frontier for both fundamental physics and applications in quantum technologies. Here, the authors propose THz magnetophononics at low temperatures to control spin excitations in SmFeO${}_{3}$ (a functional rare-earth orthoferrite in spintronics) through lattice excitations (phonons). This approach uncovers a dynamical magnetophononic first-order phase transition that enhances magnetism in SmFeO${}_{3}$.