Ab Initio Simulation of Electronic and Magnetic Properties of ZnSe Supercells Doped with 3d Metals

Abstract

The magnetism of ZnSe supercells doped with 3d transition metals was investigated using the density functional theory. An analysis of the electronic properties of Zn_1–xMe_xSe systems showed additional peaks at the Fermi level due to Me²⁺ 3d levels. The computed magnetic moments for the Me_xZn_1–xSe supercell systems were found to be 4.0 µ_B for Cr_xZn_1–xSe, Fe_xZn_1–xSe, and Ni_xZn_1–xSe, and the main contribution to the magnetization of these systems is from Me d states. First-principles simulation of total energies for ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases indicated the ferromagnetic phase stability of the Cr_xZn_1–xSe, Fe_xZn_1–xSe, and Ni_xZn_1–xSe systems. Our results demonstrated that the magnetization of Me_xZn_1–xSe supercell systems strongly depends on the Me concentration. In addition, Curie temperatures were estimated for the investigated materials. The Cr_xZn_1–xSe and Ni_xZn_1–xSe systems are half-metallic ferromagnetic materials with higher Curie temperatures. The Cr_xZn_1–xSe and Ni_xZn_1–xSe compounds are promising materials for spintronics and Fe_xZn_1–xSe is a paramagnetic compounds and a useful candidate for optoelectronic devices.