Magnetic properties of Co-doped SnO: first-principles calculations

Based on density functional theory calculations, the electronic and magnetic properties of Co-doped SnO are investigated. It is found that the spin-polarized state, with a magnetic moment of about 1.0 μ_B per Co-dopant, is more favorable in energy than the non-spin-polarized state. Moreover, the origin of the ferromagnetism in Co-doped SnO is found to be the double exchange mechanism. Our results indicate that Co-doped SnO is a possible candidate of the p-type spintronics material.