Spin configuration of Gd{sub 13} clusters
- Physics Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-2000 (United States)
The structure and spin configuration of a Gd{sub 13} cluster has been examined using theoretical electronic structure calculations and a Heisenberg model. The structure calculations show that the ground state geometry of the cluster has an hcp arrangement with a slightly reduced nearest-neighbor distance compared to bulk and an average moment of 7.8 {mu}{sub {ital B}}/atom. The Heisenberg model is calculated using an RKKY-like interaction. The effects of competing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic coupling for the nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor interaction, respectively, is investigated. It is shown that for a range of interaction strengths the spins assume a canted configuration. This effect leads to lower net magnetization of the cluster, and accounts for the anomalous low moments of Gd{sub {ital n}} clusters which have been experimentally observed. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
- OSTI ID:
- 285990
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 23 Vol. 76; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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