Spin-orbit induced non-collinear spin structure in deposited transition metal clusters

TL;DR

This study investigates how spin-orbit coupling affects the magnetic structures of deposited transition metal nanostructures, revealing that spin-orbit induced interactions can stabilize non-collinear spins despite strong ferromagnetic exchange.

Contribution

It demonstrates that spin-orbit coupling can induce non-collinear magnetic structures in transition metal clusters, highlighting the role of Dzyaloshinski-Moriya interactions in nanoscale magnetism.

Findings

Spin-orbit coupling induces non-collinear spin arrangements.

Dzyaloshinski-Moriya interaction stabilizes complex magnetic structures.

Non-collinear spins can exist despite strong ferromagnetic exchange.

Abstract

The influence of the spin-orbit coupling on the magnetic structure of deposited transition metal nanostructure systems has been studied by fully relativistic electronic structure calculations. The interplay of exchange coupling and magnetic anisotropy was monitored by studying the corresponding magnetic torque calculated within ab-initio and model approaches. It is found that a spin-orbit induced Dzyaloshinski-Moriya interaction can stabilise a non-collinear spin structure even if there is a pronounced isotropic ferromagnetic exchange interaction between the magnetic atoms.