Structures and magnetic properties of SinMn (n=1–15) clusters

Abstract

The structure, electronic, magnetic properties of Si(n)Mn clusters up to n=15 are systematically investigated using the density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation. In the most stable configurations of Si(n)Mn clusters, the equilibrium site of Mn atom gradually moves from convex, to a surface, and to a concave site as the number of Si atoms varying from 1 to 15. Starting from n=11, the Mn atom completely falls into the center of the Si outer frame, forming Mn-encapsulated Si cages. Maximum peaks of second-order energy difference are found at n=6, 8, 10, and 12, indicating that these clusters possess relatively higher stability. The electronic structures and magnetic properties of Si(n)Mn clusters are discussed. The magnetic moment of Si(n)Mn clusters mainly is located on Mn atom. The 3d electrons in Mn atom play a dominant role in the determination of the magnetism of Mn atom in Si(n)Mn clusters. Furthermore, the moment of Mn atom in Si(n)Mn clusters exhibits oscillatory behavior and are quenched at n>7 except for n=12, mainly due to the charge transfer, strong hybridization between Mn 4s, 3d, 4p and Si 3s, 3p states.