Edge magnetism in transition metal dichalcogenide nanoribbons: Mean field theory and determinant quantum Monte Carlo

Edge magnetism in zigzag transition metal dichalcogenide nanoribbons is studied using a three-band tight-binding model with local electron-electron interactions. Both mean field theory and the unbiased, numerically exact determinant quantum Monte Carlo method are applied. Depending on edge filling, predicts different phases: gapped spin dimer antiferromagnetic phases appear for two specific fillings, tendency towards metallic edge-ferromagnetism away from those fillings. Determinant simulations confirm stability of phase at same filling as theory, despite being sign-problematic other The obtained results point to yet another key ingredient understand observed nanosheets. Moreover, dependent gives rise spin-polarized currents which could be tuned through back gate voltage, possible applications spintronics.