Synthesis and magnetic properties of Zn_(1-x)Mn_xO films prepared by the sol-gel method

摘要

We report on the ferromagnetic characteristics of Zn_(1-x)Mn_xO films (x = 0.1-0.3) prepared by the sol-gel method on silicon substrates using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry at various temperatures. Magnetic measurement show that the Curie temperature (T_C) and the coercive field (H_C) were ～39 K and ～2100 Oe for the film of x = 0.2, respectively. EDS and TEM measurements indicate that Mn content at the interface is significantly higher than that at the center of the Zn_(0.8)Mn_(0.2)O film showing the ratio, Zn:Mn:O ≌ 1:12:15. This experimental evidence suggests that ferromagnetic precipitates containing manganese oxide may be responsible for the observed ferromagnetic behavior of the film. Keywrods A. ZnO; A. diluted magnetic semiconductor; A. manganese oxide; B. sol-gel; C. energy dispersive spectroscopy