Piezomagnetic properties and band structure of Mn3GaN calculated using density functional theory

Abstract

The antiperovskite Mn3GaN in the Γ-5g configuration has a noncollinear magnetic ordering and exhibits the piezomagnetic effect. This study aims to replicate previous ab initio studies of Mn3GaN. Magnetic moments are allowed to relax after applying various amounts of strain. Results show that the total magnetization varies linearly with strain up to ±2%. The observed response of the magnetization was stronger for negative strain than for positive strain. Calculations reveal that this net magnetization arises from the strain-induced rotation of the local magnetic moments associated with each Mn atom. In addition, numerical calculations of the band structure and density of states of Mn3GaN are presented.