Defects induced magnetic transition in Co doped ZnS thin films: Effects of swift heavy ion irradiations

► Effect of swift heavy ions on magnetic ordering in Co doped ZnS thin films are presented. ► Magnetization in the pristine films is composed of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic components. ► The films become purely paramagnetic after swift heavy ions irradiation. ► The magnetic transition is ascribed to the formation of ion track (or cylindrical defects) due to the thermal spikes.