Magnetic properties in zinc-blende CdS induced by Cd vacancies

► The ferromagnetism induced by Cd, other than S, vacancies with a Curie temperature above room temperature can be expected in bulk cubic CdS. ► Both Cd and S vacancies does not yield any magnetism at the stoichiometric (111) surface. ► Magnetism at the nonstoichiometric S-ended (001) surface could be responsible for the experimental room temperature ferromagnetism. ► CdS thin film could be potentially useful to design magnetic nano-devices.