Terahertz electron paramagnetic resonance generalized spectroscopic ellipsometry: The magnetic response of the nitrogen defect in 4H-SiC

We report on terahertz (THz) electron paramagnetic resonance generalized spectroscopic ellipsometry (THz-EPR-GSE). Measurements of field and frequency dependencies of magnetic response due to spin transitions associated with nitrogen defects in 4H-SiC are shown as an example. THz-EPR-GSE dispenses with the need of a cavity, permits independently scanning field and frequency parameters, and does not require field or frequency modulation. We investigate spin transitions of hexagonal (h) and cubic (k) coordinated nitrogen including coupling with its nuclear spin (I = 1), and we propose a model approach for the magnetic susceptibility to account for the spin transitions. From the THz-EPR-GSE measurements, we can fully determine polarization properties of the spin transitions, and we can obtain the k coordinated nitrogen g and hyperfine splitting parameters using magnetic field and frequency dependent Lorentzian oscillator line shape functions. Magnetic-field line broadening presently obscures access to h parameters. We show that measurements of THz-EPR-GSE at positive and negative fields differ fundamentally and hence provide additional information. We propose frequency-scanning THz-EPR-GSE as a versatile method to study properties of spins in solid state materials.

Automated summary

We report on terahertz electron paramagnetic resonance generalized spectroscopic ellipsometry (THz-EPR-GSE) and its application in studying spin transitions in 4H-SiC. The technique eliminates the need for a cavity, allows independent scanning of field and frequency parameters, and does not require modulation. By using THz-EPR-GSE measurements, we can fully determine the polarization properties of spin transitions and obtain the g and hyperfine splitting parameters of coordinated nitrogen. The results show fundamental differences in measurements at positive and negative fields, providing additional information.