Physics – Condensed Matter – Materials Science
Scientific paper
2006-11-09
Physics
Condensed Matter
Materials Science
accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. B 74 (01.12.2006). High resolution images ibidem
Scientific paper
10.1103/PhysRevB.74.214411
We present a comprehensive study relating the nanostructure of Ge_0.95Mn_0.05 films to their magnetic properties. The formation of ferromagnetic nanometer sized inclusions in a defect free Ge matrix fabricated by low temperature molecular beam epitaxy is observed down to substrate temperatures T_S as low as 70 deg. Celsius. A combined transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) analysis of the films identifies the inclusions as precipitates of the ferromagnetic compound Mn_5Ge_3. The volume and amount of these precipitates decreases with decreasing T_S. Magnetometry of the films containing precipitates reveals distinct temperature ranges: Between the characteristic ferromagnetic transition temperature of Mn_5Ge_3 at approximately room temperature and a lower, T_S dependent blocking temperature T_B the magnetic properties are dominated by superparamagnetism of the Mn_5Ge_3 precipitates. Below T_B, the magnetic signature of ferromagnetic precipitates with blocked magnetic moments is observed. At the lowest temperatures, the films show features characteristic for a metastable state.
Abstreiter Gerhard
Ahlers S.
Bougeard Dominique
Gross Ralf
Opel Matthias
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