Chapter 4 Diluted magnetic semiconductors

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS). New aspects of DMS physics are reviewed and an update of various numerical data that are relevant to DMS materials is provided. The specific nature of DMS makes it impossible to leave out those properties that are typical for semiconductors. The information concerning crystal structures and lattice constants of diluted magnetic semiconductors is presented in the chapter. The properties of these semiconducting mixed crystals in the absence of an external magnetic field are described. The quantities typically considered when discussing semiconducting materials, such as, energy gaps, separating valence, and conduction bands are also focused. Magnetic properties are presented, which is followed by where properties that single out DMS as a separate group of materials are discussed, namely those that are connected with a mutual dependence of the magnetic and semiconducting properties. This interdependence stems from strong exchange coupling between the conduction band electrons and/or valence band holes with the localized electrons from 3d shells of ‘magnetic’ ions, which form localized magnetic moments. The materials that are most commonly considered as the members of the DMS family are substitutional solid solutions of II—VI semiconductors and transition-metal monochalcogenides such as CdTe and MnTe.