Abstract
Structural, magnetization, and Raman spectroscopic investigations have been carried out on spin coated Zn1−xCoxO (0⩽x⩽0.1) films. We investigated the broadening of the E2low mode for different values of x in both air and vacuum annealed films, and found a direct correlation of Co ions incorporation at the Zn sites with ferromagnetic order. The magnitudes of the magnetic moment are directly related to the size of the disorder correlation radius. However, for x∼5% where the magnetic moment becomes negligible, the broadening of the E2low Raman mode also becomes negligible, suggesting rejection of the Co ions from the Zn sites. For a given x, Co ions are incorporated at the Zn sites with the same concentration in both the air and vacuum annealed films but the magnetic moment values are much smaller for the air annealed samples. This behavior is directly related to the presence of oxygen vacancies. We also discuss the effects of air and vacuum annealing on the linewidth of E2high and A1 (LO) modes. At higher doping levels, e.g., x>5%, the air annealed films showed a strong phase separation tendency toward Co3O4 as shown by both Raman and high resolution electron microscopy.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
