Current heating of a magnetic 2DEG in HgMnTe/HgCdTe quantum wells

TL;DR

This study investigates electron-induced heating in a magnetic two-dimensional electron gas within HgMnTe/HgCdTe quantum wells, revealing how electron temperature affects Mn ion temperature and demonstrating a proportional energy transfer rate to Mn concentration.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of electron heating effects on Mn ions in magnetic quantum wells and validates a rate equation model for energy transfer.

Findings

Mn ion temperature depends on electron current and temperature.

Energy transfer rate is proportional to Mn concentration.

Experimental results agree with the theoretical rate equation model.

Abstract

Heating caused by electrons with excess kinetic energy has been investigated in a magnetic two-dimensional electron gas, M2DEG, in HgMnTe/HgCdTe(001) quantum wells. The temperature of the Mn ions, T_Mn, has been determined by the node positions in the beating pattern in Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations.The experimental dependence of T_Mn on current and therefore on electron temperature, is in excellent agreement with a rate equation model. Results with this model show that the energy transfer rate from the electrons to the Mn system is proportional to the Mn concentration.