A possible mechanism of magnetic and structural transformations in CrNx

In this work, the possible mechanism of the magnetic and structural transformations in cubic CrN is suggested. The paramagnetic-antiferromagnetic transition in this compound is supposed to be caused by the instability of electrons in Wand L points of Brillouin Zone with respect to the arise of the spin density waves, and the structural transformation, which takes place after the magnetic one, has a striction character. Formation of nitrogen vacancies results In appearing additional states and decreasing the Fermi energy. The Fermi level for the defect compositions does not cross the energy bands in the W-Q-L-direction. Therefore the substoichiometric chromium nitrides do not must undergo phase transformations.