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Theoretical phase stability of incommensurable spin structures on the /001/ surfaces of MnO-type antiferromagnetic semiconductors

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev. B: Condens. Matter; (United States)

A theory for the phase stability of incommensurable spin structures on the /001/ surfaces of the rock-salt--structure antiferromagnetic semiconductors is presented. The theory is based on classical spins and a simple Heisenberg Hamiltonian dependent on three exchange interactions: (a) a surface-only nearest-neighbor exchange; (b) a surface second-layer nearest-neighbor exchange; and (c) an antiferromagnetic second-nearest-neighbor superexchange throughout the crystal. Incommensurable magnetic surface structures are proven to be the ground state for a considerable range of the surface exchange parameters. The properties of the ''frozen'' spin waves used in the variational calculation are fully explored, and the implications for low-energy electron diffraction studies of the rock-salt--structure antiferromagnets are discussed.

Research Organization:
Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720
OSTI ID:
6550803
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev. B: Condens. Matter; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. B: Condens. Matter; (United States) Vol. 39:5; ISSN PRBMD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English