Carrier induced local moment magnetization in p-type Sn1−xMnxTe

Abstract

We derive a theory of carrier induced local moment magnetization of p-type Sn1−xMnxTe based on the Hubbard model, k→·π→ electronic structure method (k→ is the electronic wave vector and π→ is the relativistic momentum operator) and the statistical paramagnetic approach for the localized moments. The Hubbard model is used to derive an internal exchange magnetic field. The difference in exchange self-energy is expressed in terms of an internal exchange field that is proportional to the parameter U, the onsite Coulomb repulsion, and the spin-density of carriers. In the present theory, the k→·π→+U model is integrated with the statistical paramagnetic theory for localized spins, which is then solved in a self-consistent manner by adding the exchange field to the applied field. The technique is applied to study the magnetic properties of p-type Sn1−xMnxTe, an important material for spintronics devices. The local moment magnetization calculated using the total magnetic field self-consistently agrees with the experimental observations. Magnetization and the exchange field studied as functions of the applied field, temperature and carrier concentration yield results on expected lines. Ours is a mechanism that is different from the RKKY interaction, normally invoked for carrier induced ferromagnetism and is thus a novelty.