Spin-orbit coupling effect in (Ga,Mn)As films: Anisotropic exchange interactions and magnetocrystalline anisotropy

Abstract

The magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MCA) of (Ga,Mn)As films has been studied on the basis of ab initio electronic structure theory by performing magnetic torque calculations. An appreciable contribution to the in-plane uniaxial anisotropy can be attributed to an extended region adjacent to the surface. Calculations of the exchange tensor allow to ascribe a significant part to the MCA to the exchange anisotropy, caused either by a tetragonal distortion of the lattice or by the presence of the surface or interface.