Non-collinear coupling between magnetic adatoms in carbon nanotubes

TL;DR

This paper investigates how non-collinear magnetic interactions between adatoms on carbon nanotubes can be controlled, revealing a new mechanism beyond traditional Heisenberg models that influences magnetic order.

Contribution

It demonstrates the existence of non-collinear magnetic order induced by direct exchange interactions in magnetic adatoms on carbon nanotubes, expanding understanding of magnetic coupling mechanisms.

Findings

Non-collinear magnetic order can be induced by direct exchange interactions.

Control of magnetization alignment in magnetic dimers on nanotubes is possible.

The effect extends beyond traditional Heisenberg interaction models.

Abstract

The long range character of the exchange coupling between localized magnetic moments indirectly mediated by the conduction electrons of metallic hosts often plays a significant role in determining the magnetic order of low-dimensional structures. In addition to this indirect coupling, here we show that the direct exchange interaction that arises when the moments are not too far apart may induce a non-collinear magnetic order that cannot be characterized by a Heisenberg-like interaction between the magnetic moments. We argue that this effect can be manipulated to control the magnetization alignment of magnetic dimers adsorbed to the walls of carbon nanotubes.