Ferromagnetism in Ni doped ZnS thin films: Effects of Ni concentration and swift heavy ion irradiation

摘要

The magnetic properties of Ni doped ZnS thin films fabricated at substrate temperature of 400 degrees C by means of pulsed laser deposition are presented. The films show crystalline wurtzite structure. Optical absorption and transmission electron microscopic studies indicate that Ni has been appropriately substituted on Zn tetrahedral site. The films show ferromagnetism up to room temperature. The magnetization in the films decreases with increase of Ni concentration. Swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiations have been carried out using 120 MeV Ag ions for the modification of structural and magnetic properties of the films. SHI irradiation suggests the formation columnar ion track inside the films causing decrease in magnetization. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.