Strain-modulated Valley Polarization and Piezomagnetic Effects in Altermagnetic Cr$_2$S$_2$

Abstract: Altermagnetism exhibits advantages over both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic counterparts by enabling spin splitting within antiferromagnetic materials. Currently, it is established that valley polarization in altermagnetism remains largely insensitive to spin-orbit coupling and spin. Here, using Cr$2$S$_2$ as a case study, we investigate the mechanism through which an external field modulates valley polarization in altermagnetism. This effect arises from the external field's disruption of diagonal mirror symmetry $M{xy}$, consequently inducing valley polarization within the material. Strain not only induces valley polarization but also generates an almost uniform magnetic field, which can reach as high as 118.39 T under 5% uniaxial strain. In addition, this symmetry breaking in Cr$_2$S$_2$ monolayers results in significant piezomagnetic properties, merging piezomagnetic and altermagnetic characteristics in two-dimensional materials.