A first principles study of Nd doped cubic LaAlO3 perovskite: mBJ+U study

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Nd-doped Rare earth aluminate, La1−xNdxAlO3 (x=0-100%) are studied using the full potential linearized augmented plane-wave (FP-LAPW) method within the density functional theory. The effects of Nd substitution in LaAlO3 are studied using super-cell calculations. The electronic structures were computed using modified Beck Johnson (mBJ) potential based approximation with the inclusion of Coulomb energy (U) for Nd-4f state electrons. The La1−xNdxAlO3 may possess half metallic behavior on Nd doping with finite density of states at EF. The direct and indirect band gaps were studied as a function of Nd concentration in LaAlO3. The calculated magnetic moments in La1−xNdxAlO3 were found to arise mainly from the Nd-4f state electrons. A probable half-metallic nature is suggested for these systems with supportive integral magnetic moments and high spin polarized electronic structures in these doped cases at EF. The controlled decrease in band gap with increase in concentration of Nd doping is a suitable technique for harnessing useful spintronic and magnetic devices.