We propose a reversible mechanism for switching Heisenberg-type exchange interactions between deposited transition metal adatoms from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic. Using first-principles calculations, we show that this mechanism can be realized for cobalt atoms on the surface of black phosphorus by making use of electrically-controlled orbital repopulation, as recently demonstrated by scanning probe techniques [Nat. Commun. 9, 3904 (2018)]. We find that field-induced repopulation not only affects the spin state, but also causes considerable modification of exchange interaction between adatoms, including its sign. Our model analysis demonstrates that variable adatom-substrate hybridization is a key factor responsible for this modification. We perform quantum simulations of inelastic tunneling characteristics and discuss possible ways to verify the proposed mechanism experimentally.
@article{arxiv.2002.09354,
title = {Control of magnetic interactions between surface adatoms via orbital repopulation},
author = {Danis I. Badrtdinov and Alexander N. Rudenko and Mikhail I. Katsnelson and Vladimir V. Mazurenko},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2002.09354},
year = {2020}
}