Effect of Gd doping on the magnetism and work function of Fe_1—xGd_x/Fe (001)

Abstract

The magnetism and work function Φ of Fe 1−x Gd x /Fe (001) films have been investigated using first-principles methods based on the density functional theory. The calculated results reveal that Gd doping on the Fe (001) surface would greatly affect the geometrical structure of the system. The restruction of the surface atoms leads to the transition of magnetic coupling between Gd and Fe atoms from ferromagnetic (FM) for 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.75 to antiferromagnetic (AFM) for x = 1.0. For Fe 1−x Gd x /Fe (001) (x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0), the charge transfer from Gd to Fe leads to a positive dipole formed on the surface, which is responsible for the decrease of the work function. Moreover, it is found that the magnetic moments of Fe and Gd on the surface layer can be strongly influenced by Gd doping. The changes of the work function and magnetism for Fe 1−x Gd x /Fe (001) can be explained by the electron transfer, the magnetic coupling interaction between Gd and Fe atoms, and the complex surface restruction. Our work strongly suggests that the doping of the metal with a low work function is a promising way for modulating the work function of the magnetic metal gate.