Abstract. We report the structure and magnetic properties of Zn_1−xMn_xO thin films grown on Si(001) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Structure and phase evolution with Mn doping has been studied using x-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, and high-resolution electron microscopy. The undoped and 1% Mn-doped ZnO films are completely (001) oriented, and further Mn doping deteriorates the (001) orientation. For Mn concentrations below 3%, only the hexagonal ZnO phase exists in the films without secondary phases. As the Mn concentration reaches 5%, secondary phase Mn₂O₃ was found aggregating at grain boundaries. All the Mn-doped films show ferromagnetic properties at room temperature, and the magnetic moment decreases as the Mn concentration increases. Our results suggest that the ferromagnetism observed in Zn_1−xMn_xO thin films is intrinsic rather than associated with secondary phases.

Print publication: Issue 3 (24 January 2007)
Received 2 November 2006
Published 5 January 2007