Transition from Ferromagnetism to Antiferromagnetism in Ga$_{1-x}$Mn$_x$N

TL;DR

This study uses density functional theory to explore how the magnetic phase of Ga$_{1-x}$Mn$_x$N varies with composition, pressure, and charge, revealing potential for tunable magnetic states unlike Ga$_{1-x}$Mn$_x$As.

Contribution

It demonstrates the possibility of switching between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases in Ga$_{1-x}$Mn$_x$N through composition, pressure, and charge, providing insights for magnetic material design.

Findings

Ga$_{1-x}$Mn$_x$N$ can be ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic depending on concentration.

Magnetic order can be controlled by pressure and charge compensation.

Unified model explains the magnetic stability behaviors.

Abstract

Using density functional theory, we study the magnetic stability of the Ga$_{1-x}$Mn$_x$N alloy system. We show that unlike Ga$_{1-x}$Mn$_x$As, which shows only ferromagnetic (FM) phase, Ga$_{1-x}$Mn$_x$N can be stable in either FM or antiferromagnetic phases depending on the alloy concentration. The magnetic order can also be altered by applying pressure or with charge compensation. A unified model is used to explain these behaviors.