Stable ferromagnetic state in Si-doped AlN with cation vacancies: Ab-initio study

Abstract

The magnetic property of Si-doped AlN with Al-vacancy is studied using first principles calculations based on spin polarized density functional theory. The Si dopant alone does not introduce the magnetic moment in AlN. However, the doping of Si in AlN reduces the formation energy caused by Al-vacancy, and stabilizes the spin polarized state. The magnetic moments are mainly localized on N atoms surrounding the defect. The strong ferromagnetic state is obtained in AlN due to the combined role of Al-vacancy and Si-dopant.