Magnetic properties of transition metal monolayers on Ta(001) surfaces

Abstract

The magnetic and structural properties of transition metal (Mn, Fe, Co) monolayers on Ta(001) surfaces are investigated theoretically by using the first principles full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method. Mn and Fe monolayers become ferromagnetic on Ta(001) surfaces while Co monolayers becomes non-magnetic. The paramagnetism of Co monolayers is explained by the Stoner theory of magnetism. The magnetic coupling of a transition metal overlayer with a substrate is ascribed to the orbital hybridization between the s and d orbitals of the transition metal. ? 2008 Journal of Magnetics.