Ferromagnetism and superstructure in Ca_(1-x)La_xB₆

We critically investigate the model of a doped excitonic insulator, which recently has been invoked to explain some experimental properties of the ferromagnetic state in Ca_{1-x}La_xB_6. We demonstrate that the ground state of this model is intrinsically unstable towards the appearance of a superstructure. In addition, the model would lead to a phase separation regime and the domain structure which may be prevented by the Coulomb forces only. Recent experiments indicate that a superstructure may indeed show up in this material.