The origin of ferromagnetism in $d^0$ semiconductors is studied using first-principles methods with ZnO as a prototype material. We show that the presence of spontaneous magnetization in nitrides and oxides with sufficient holes is an intrinsic property of these first-row $d^0$ semiconductors and can be attributed to the localized nature of the $2p$ states of O and N. We find that acceptor doping, especially doping at the anion site, can enhance the ferromagnetism with much smaller threshold hole concentrations. The quantum confinement effect also reduces the critical hole concentration to induce ferromagnetism in ZnO nanowires. The characteristic nonmonotonic spin couplings in these systems are explained in terms of the band coupling model.

• Received 23 October 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.017201