Embedded magnetic phases in (Ga,Fe)N: the key role of growth temperature

TL;DR

This study investigates how growth temperature influences the local chemistry, structure, and magnetic phases in (Ga,Fe)N nanocomposites, revealing distinct magnetic behaviors and nanocrystal segregation patterns.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the magnetic phases in (Ga,Fe)N as a function of growth temperature, highlighting the key role of temperature in phase formation and magnetic properties.

Findings

Paramagnetic Fe$^{3+}$ ions dominate at 800°C.

Superparamagnetic nanocrystals are prevalent at intermediate temperatures.

Highly nitridated Fe$_x$N$ phases appear at 950°C.

Abstract

The local chemistry, structure, and magnetism of (Ga,Fe)N nanocomposites grown by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy is studied by high resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction and absorption, transmission electron microscopy, and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry as a function of the growth temperature $T_{\mathrm{g}}$. Three contributions to the magnetization are identified: i) paramagnetic -- originating from dilute and non-interacting Fe$^{3+}$ ions substitutional of Ga, and dominating in layers obtained at the lowest considered $T_{\mathrm{g}}$ (800$^{\circ}$C); ii) superparamagnetic-like -- brought about mainly by ferromagnetic nanocrystals of $\epsilon-$Fe$_3$N but also by $\gamma'$-Fe$_4$N and by inclusions of elemental $\alpha$- and $\gamma$-Fe, and prevalent in films obtained in the intermediate $T_{\mathrm{g}}$ range; iii) component linear in the magnetic field and associated with antiferromagnetic interactions -- found to originate from highly nitridated Fe$_x$N ($x \leq$ 2) phases, like $\zeta$-Fe$_2$N, and detected in samples deposited at the highest employed temperature, $T_{\mathrm{g}}$ = 950$^{\circ}$C. Furthermore, depending on $T_{\mathrm{g}}$, the Fe-rich nanocrystals segregate towards the sample surface or occupy two-dimensional planes perpendicular to the growth direction.