First-principles study of electronic structure and magnetism of cubic Al1−xErxN using the LSDA+U approach

► Electronic structure of Er substituting in cubic AlN has been investigated. ► The strong correlation of Er ƒ-electrons was taking into account using the LSDA+U. ► The obtained magnetic properties are very different from those of Mn-doped GaN. ► The exchange interaction of the Er ion with the host states is weaker.