From collinear to vortex magnetic structures in Mn corrals on Pt(111)

Abstract

We study the magnetic properties of small Mn ring shaped clusters on a Pt(111) surface in the framework of density functional theory. We find that the Mn atoms possess large magnetic moments, of the order of 4uB/atom, and have dominating antiferromagnetic interatomic exchange interactions. A quantum confinement effect within the ring like clusters was found, indicating that even very small clusters can be seen as quantum corrals. The antiferromagnetic exchange couplings lead to collinear magnetic arrangements in simple corrals, as well as complex non-collinear ordering, as vortex-like structures, for the case of corrals with particular geometry where antiferromagnetism becomes frustrated.