Structure and spin dynamics in Cr Doped ZnO

Abstract

Polycrystalline Zn1-xCrxO (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.09) samples synthesized by solid state reaction technique were sintered at different temperatures following slow step sintering schedule. Structural, micro-structural, optical, magnetic properties and homogeneity were investigated using suitable characterisation techniques. Cr2O3 and CrO2 phases have been detected in the XRD patterns and Raman spectra of Zn1-xCrxO samples with x ≥ 0.05. Photoluminescence study has indicated improved optical property of the samples compared to undoped ZnO. While low percentage Cr doped samples showed diamagnetic behaviour, higher percentage doped samples (≥ 5%) exhibited ferromagnetic, paramagnetic and anti-ferromagnetic behaviours depending upon the sintering temperatures. The magnetic properties have been analysed through Electron Spin Resonance study. A g-value of 1.97 indicates Cr in +3 valence state in doped ZnO system. Presence of Cr3+ and Cr4+ in ZnO is understood to facilitate super exchange interactions to promote ferromagnetism at room temperature. ESR study shows improved magnetic homogeneity achieved by slow step sintering process.