Antiferromagnetic superexchange via 3d states of titanium in EuTiO3 as seen from hybrid Hartree-Fock density functional calculations

Abstract

A superexchange mechanism between Eu^2+ 4f spins via the 3d states of nonmagnetic Ti^4+ ions is proposed through first-principles calculations based on a hybrid Hartree-Fock density functional approach to explain G-type antiferromagnetism in EuTiO3. This mechanism is supported by systematic calculations for related Eu2+-based perovskite oxides. In EuTiO3, the competition between the antiferromagnetic superexchange and an indirect ferromagnetic exchange via the Eu 5d states leads to a delicate balance between antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic phases. The superexchange mechanism involving the Ti 3d states hints at the microscopic origin of the strong spin-lattice coupling in EuTiO3.