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Title: Moment enhancement in dilute magnetic semiconductors: MnxSi1-x with x = 0.1%

Journal Article · · Applied Physics Letters
OSTI ID:965070

The experimentally determined magnetic moments/Mn, M, in Mn{sub x}Si{sub 1-x} are considered, with particular attention to the case with 5.0 {micro}{sub B}/Mn, obtained for x = 0.1%. The existing theoretical M values for neutral Mn range from 2.83 to 3.78 {micro}B/Mn. To understand the observed M = 5.0 {micro}{sub B}/Mn, we investigated Mn{sub x}Si{sub 1-x} for a series of Mn concentrations and defect configurations using a first-principles density functional method. We find a structure in which the moment is enhanced. It has 5.0 {micro}B/Mn, the Mn at a substitutional site, and a Si at a second-neighbor interstitial site in a large unit cell. Subsequent analysis shows that the observed large moment can be understood as a consequence of the weakened d-p hybridization resulting from the introduction of the second-neighbor interstitial Si and substantial isolation of the Mn-second-neighbor Si complex at such concentrations.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
965070
Report Number(s):
LLNL-JRNL-411279; APPLAB; TRN: US0903571
Journal Information:
Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 95, Issue 2; ISSN 0003-6951
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English