Modification of crystal anisotropy and enhancement of magnetic moment of Co-doped SnO2 thin films annealed under magnetic field

TitleModification of crystal anisotropy and enhancement of magnetic moment of Co-doped SnO2 thin films annealed under magnetic field
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsLoya-Mancilla, SM, Poddar, P, Das, R, Ponce, HEEsparza, Templeton-Olivares, IL, Solis-Canto, OO, Ornelas-Gutierrez, CE, Espinosa-Magaa, F, Olive-Mendez, SF
JournalNanoscale Research Letters
Volume9
Issue1
Pagination635
Date PublishedNOV
ISSN1556-276X
KeywordsAntiferromagnetism, Crystal anisotropy, Diluted magnetic oxide, Ferromagnetism, Magnetic anisotropy, Magnetic moment, Spin axis, thin film
Abstract

Co-doped SnO2 thin films were grown by sputtering technique on SiO2/Si(001) substrates at room temperature, and then, thermal treatments with and without an applied magnetic field (H-TT) were performed in vacuum at 600 degrees C for 20 min. H-TT was applied parallel and perpendicular to the substrate surface. Magnetic M(H) measurements reveal the coexistence of a strong antiferromagnetic (AFM) signal and a ferromagnetic (FM) component. The AFM component has a N,el temperature higher than room temperature, the spin axis lies parallel to the substrate surface, and the highest magnetic moment m =7 mu(B)/Co at. is obtained when H-TT is applied parallel to the substrate surface. Our results show an enhancement of FM moment per Co+2 from 0.06 to 0.42 mu(B)/Co at. for the sample on which H-TT was applied perpendicular to the surface. The FM order is attributed to the coupling of Co+2 ions through electrons trapped at the site of oxygen vacancies, as described by the bound magnetic polaron model. Our results suggest that FM order is aligned along [101] direction of Co-doped SnO2 nanocrystals, which is proposed to be the easy magnetization axis.

DOI10.1186/1556-276X-9-635
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)Foreign
Impact Factor (IF)3.38
Divison category: 
Physical and Materials Chemistry