Core-shell nanostructure in a Ge_0.9Mn_0.1 film from structural and magnetic measurements
arXiv:1405.4238 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.91.245408
Abstract
We have characterized a film of Ge_0.9Mn_0.1 forming self-organized nanocolumns perpendicular to the Ge substrate with high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with electron energy loss spectroscopy, and bulk magnetization and positive muon spin rotation and relaxation (muSR) measurements. The Mn-rich nanocolumns form a triangular lattice with no detectable Mn atoms in the matrix. They consist of cores surrounded by shells. The combined analysis of bulk magnetization and muSR data enables us to characterize the electronic and magnetic properties of both the cores and shells. The discovered phase separation of the columns between a core and a shell is probably relevant for other transition-metal doped semiconductors.
5 pages, 5 figures, and supplemental material
References in corpus (7)
- Origin and control of high-temperature ferromagnetism in semiconductors
- Clustering in a precipitate free GeMn magnetic semiconductor
- Controlled aggregation of magnetic ions in a semiconductor. Experimental demonstration
- Structure and magnetism of self-organized Ge(1-x)Mn(x) nano-columns
- Interface-driven phase separation in multifunctional materials: the case of GeMn ferromagnetic semiconductor
- Strain and correlation of self-organized Ge_(1-x)Mn_x nanocolumns embedded in Ge (001)
- Exchange bias in GeMn nanocolumns: the role of surface oxidation