Magnetic performance of orthorhombic Mn35Ge35Te30 nanocrystals

Nanocrystalline antiferromagnetic Mn35Ge35Te30 diluted magnetic semiconductors powder syntheses by the conventional direct reaction of pure metals. Nanocrystalline nature of the prepared sample confirmed using various techniques, where x-Ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscope (AFM) measurements shows ~96 nm particle size, while transmission electron microscope (TEM) shows 92 nm particle size. XRD analysis show orthorhombic symmetry with lattice parameters a=7.386611±(0.0066) Å, b=8.962502±(0.0090) Å and c=7.027349±(0.0040) Å. Electron Spin resonance (ESR) show a broad asymmetric line whereas the remnant Mn2+ six-hyperfine lines are broadened within |+1/2>→|−1/2> line according to high anisotropy; calculated Landé g-factor is 2.047. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis, field-moment characteristics revealed a hysteresis loop with small coercive field indicating that Mn35Ge35Te30 is a soft magnetic material. Moreover, hysteresis measurements at different temperatures show increasing magnetization with increasing temperature up to 150 K followed by decreased with increasing temperature up to 300 K. This behavior indicated to the antiferromagnetic nature of the prepared nanocrystalline materials. Magnetic moment - temperature measurements show Néel temperature TN=172.6 K. Magnetic force microscope revealed magnetic domains as a result of interaction between magnetic dipole moments of magnetic cantilever and pressed powder.