Magnetic coupling properties of rare-earth metals (Gd, Nd) doped ZnO: first-principles calculations

The electronic structure and magnetic coupling properties of rare-earth metals (Gd, Nd) doped ZnO are examined by using first-principles methods. For ZnO:Nd system, the ferromagnetism between Nd ions is enhanced by appropriate holes doping into the sample and the room-temperature ferromagnetism is achieved in the n-conducting ZnO:Nd sample.