Defect formation and magnetic properties of Co-doped GaN crystal and nanowire

Theoretical calculation based on density functional theory (DFT) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA) has been carried out in studying defect formation and magnetic properties of Co doped GaN crystal and nanowire (NW). Co does not exhibit site preference in GaN crystal. However, Co occupies preferably surface sites in GaN NW. Transition level of the defect is also investigated in GaN crystal. We also find that CoGa(S) in NW does not produce spin polarization and CoGa(B) produces spontaneous spin polarization. Ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) couplings are analyzed by six different configurations. The results show that AFM coupling is more stable than FM coupling for Co doped GaN crystal. It is also found from Co doped GaN NW calculation that the system remains FM stability for majority of the configurations. Magnetic properties in Co doped GaN crystal can be mediated by N and Ga vacancies. The FM and AFM stability can be explained by Co 3d energy level coupling.