Magnetic nanoscale order in ZnTe:(Mn, O)

Magnetic impurity inhomogeneities are found to affect the magnetic and transport properties of semiconductors. Such inhomogeneities increase the Curie temperature. They are different in size, shape and composition in the already studied semiconductors. Self-assembling of tetrahedral 1O4Mn complexes leading to the nanoscale order in ZnTe:(Mn, O) is considered as a way to create identical magnetic nano-objects. The self-assembling conditions are obtained for ZnTe:(Mn, O) with Mn and oxygen contents in the dilute and ultra-dilute limits, respectively. The occurrence of 1O4Mn complexes depends only on Mn content and temperature. The temperature of the final stage of self-assembling when all oxygen atoms are in impurity complexes depends on the contents of Mn and oxygen. The occurrence of the complexes and final stage of self-assembling are the results of continuous phase transitions. The maximal portion of Mn in 1O4Mn complexes equal to 0.54 at 350 °C can be reached.

► A new phenomenon: self-assemblling of Mn atoms in ZnTe:(Mn, O) is described. ► Self-assembling of 1O4Mn clusters forms magnetic nanoscale order. ► The phase transition conditions of an occurrence of clusters are investigated. ► The conditions of transition of all Mn impurities in clusters are studied.