MnSi$_{1.7}$ nanoparticles embedded in Si: Superparamagnetism with a collective behavior

TL;DR

This study investigates MnSi$_{1.7}$ nanoparticles embedded in silicon, revealing superparamagnetic behavior with collective effects and spin-glass dynamics, which are relevant for Si-based magnetic semiconductors.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the magnetic properties and interactions of MnSi$_{1.7}$ nanoparticles in silicon, highlighting their collective superparamagnetic and spin-glass behavior.

Findings

MnSi$_{1.7}$ nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetism.

The system shows spin-glass behavior.

Inter-particle interactions influence magnetic properties.

Abstract

The doping of Mn in Si is attracting research attentions due to the possibility to fabricate Si-based diluted magnetic semiconductors. However, the low solubility of Mn in Si favors the precipitation of Mn ions even at non-equilibrium growth conditions. MnSi$_{1.7}$ nanoparticles are the common precipitates, which show exotic magnetic properties in comparison with the MnSi$_{1.7}$ bulk phase. In this paper we present the static and dynamic magnetic properties of MnSi$_{1.7}$ nanoparticles. Using the Preisach model, we derive the magnetic parameters, such as the magnetization of individual particles, the distribution of coercive fields and the inter-particle interaction field. Time-dependent magnetization measurements reveal a spin-glass behavior of the system.