Magneto-optical characterization of MnxGe1-x alloys obtained by ion implantation

TL;DR

This study uses magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements across various wavelengths to analyze the magnetic properties of Mn-implanted Ge alloys, revealing multiple magnetic contributions from inhomogeneous Mn distribution and Mn-rich nanoparticles.

Contribution

It provides a detailed magneto-optical characterization of MnGe alloys, highlighting the coexistence of diluted Mn and Mn-rich nanoparticles, which was not thoroughly analyzed before.

Findings

Multiple magnetic contributions identified in hysteresis loops

Presence of Mn-rich nanoparticles embedded in Ge matrix

Inhomogeneous distribution of magnetic atoms

Abstract

Magneto-optical Kerr effect hysteresis loops at various wavelengths in the visible/near-infrared range have been used to characterize the magnetic properties of alloys obtained by implanting Mn ions at fixed energy in a Ge matrix. The details of the hysteresis loops reveal the presence of multiple magnetic contributions. They may be attributed to the inhomogeneous distribution of the magnetic atoms and, in particular, to the known coexistence of diluted Mn in the Ge matrix and metallic Mn-rich nanoparticles embedded in it [Phys. Rev. B 73, 195207(2006)].