Origin and control of ferromagnetism in dilute magnetic semiconductors and oxides

TL;DR

This review discusses the mechanisms behind ferromagnetism in dilute magnetic semiconductors and oxides, emphasizing hole-mediated interactions, high-temperature ferromagnetism without holes, and the role of nanocrystal self-assembly for spintronic applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the origin of ferromagnetism in these materials and how to control magnetic nanocrystal formation through doping and growth conditions.

Findings

Spinodal decomposition leads to magnetic nanocrystals formation.

Self-organized nanocrystals can be controlled via co-doping.

Potential applications in spintronics and nanoelectronics.

Abstract

The author reviews the present understanding of the hole-mediated ferromagnetism in magnetically doped semiconductors and oxides as well as the origin of high temperature ferromagnetism in materials containing no valence band holes. It is argued that in these systems spinodal decomposition into regions with a large and a small concentration of magnetic component takes place. This self-organized assembling of magnetic nanocrystals can be controlled by co-doping and growth conditions. Functionalities of these multicomponent systems are described together with prospects for their applications in spintronics, nanoelectronics, photonics, plasmonics, and thermoelectrics.