Structural, magnetic and optical studies of Zn0.95Mn0.05O DMS

ZnO substituted with transitional metal ions at the cationic site presents interesting magnetic properties arising due to the strong sp-d exchange interaction. They are intensively explored for spintronics applications. The preparation route plays a vital role in the synthesis of single phase oxide Diluted Magnetic Semiconductor (DMS). Single phase Zn0.95Mn0.05O prepared by co-precipitation and standard ceramic methods was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction measurements. The sample prepared by co-precipitation method was pelleted and examined for its magnetic property using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) indicated ferromagnetic-like behavior at 300 K. Spin-glass state was observed at 77 K. Mn substitution in ZnO affects the transparency considerably in the visible region. Comparing the results of measurements performed on samples prepared by both the methods we conclude co-precipitation method to be more effective than ceramic method in obtaining single phase compound with desirable properties. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.