Structural and Magnetic Properties of Mg-doped Iron Oxide Thin Films

Spinel ferrites are of particular interest because of their interesting magnetic properties combined with chemical and thermal stability. Apart from the applications in magnetic recording, sensors, and photomagnetics, some spinal ferrites especially magnesium ferrite, are used as a heterogeneous catalysts, adsorption and humidity sensors, oxygen sensors and for their photoelectrical properties. We here report preparation of magnesium iron oxide (MgFe2O4) thin films using thermal evaporation of pure metal magnesium and iron followed by oxidation under the oxygen flow rate of 10sccm along with annealing at 150˚C-450˚C. The films were characterized structurally using Bruker D8 Advance X-ray Diffractometer and magnetic characterization was carried out using Lakeshore 7407 Vibrating Sample Magnetometer. The presence of (311), (400) and (440) planes confirm the formation of MgFe2O4 phase at 150-450˚C. Highest saturation magnetization is observed for the films oxidized under oxidation temperature of 450˚C.