Half-metallic magnetization plateaux

Abstract

We propose a novel interaction-based route to half-metal state for interacting electrons on two-dimensional lattices. Magnetic field applied parallel to the lattice is used to tune one of the spin densities to a particular commensurate with the lattice value in which the system spontaneously `locks in' via van Hove enhanced density wave state. Electrons of opposite spin polarization retain their metallic character and provide for the half-metal state which, in addition, supports magnetization plateau in a finite interval of external magnetic field. Similar half-metal state is realized in the finite-U Hubbard model on a triangular lattice at 1/3 of the maximum magnetization.