Anisotropic resistivity of a $p$-wave magnet candidate CeNiAsO

Abstract: Certain noncollinear antiferromagnets host momentum-dependent spin-splitting bands with odd-parity $p$-wave symmetry, termed $p$-wave magnets. Metallic $p$-wave magnets offer a unique platform for spintronic applications, yet experimental realizations remain scarce. CeNiAsO, featuring a tetragonal structure and developing a commensurate coplanar noncollinear antiferromagnetic order at low temperatures, has been theoretically proposed as such a magnet. Here, we show that its resistivity exhibits strong two-fold in-plane anisotropy -- a key signature of its proposed $p$-wave magnetism. Reversible and nonvolatile switching between high- and low-resistance states is achieved by alternating the in-plane magnetic field direction, indicating potential for field-controlled memory devices. Our results not only provide critical experimental evidence for $p$-wave magnetism in CeNiAsO but also open new avenues for high-performance antiferromagnetic spintronics based on resistivity anisotropy.