Magnetic properties of pulsed laser deposited Co1−xZnxFe2O4 (0.10 ≤ x ≤ 0.70) thin films

The magnetic properties of pulsed laser deposited Co-Zn ferrite [Co1−xZnxFe2O4 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.7)] nanocrystalline thin films have been investigated. The films were deposited on amorphous quartz substrate. The observed magnetic properties of the films depend on the deposition temperature (TS), the annealing temperature (TA) and the Zn content (x). A magnetization value higher than bulk was observed in a room temperature deposited Co rich (x = 0.1) Co-Zn ferrite thin films, when the films were ex-situ annealed at TA = 750 °C. On the other hand, in Zn rich (x = 0.7) Co-Zn ferrite, a magnetization value higher than bulk (x = 0.7) was obtained in a film deposited at TS = 750 °C. The unusual magnetization values are explained on the basis of grain growth and the cation distribution in thin films.