The morphology, structure, and magnetic properties of the magnetic semiconductor ceramic Ilmenite-Hematite (IH), (1Àx)Fe-TiO 3 -xFe 2 O 3 , were studied as a function of the composition x. The magnetic ordering temperatures that we observed were consistently higher than those reported previously and were, for most of the composition range, above room temperature. We rule out the formation of Fe clusters as the origin of the magnetic properties. These magnetic properties of IH ceramics, in combination with their semiconducting characteristics, render them promising for spin-electronic applications. 1601J ournal

We demonstrated the capability of MeV proton irradiation to promote chemical ordering processes in a solid at low temperature. We used the ilmenite–hematite solid solution system which allows estimation of the degree of ordering through measurement of its magnetization. Normally, ordering through diffusion would require high temperature annealing. At high temperatures, however, the equilibrium state would be less ordered and thus the achievable ordering incomplete. High energetic protons continuously transfer energy to the sample through electronic interaction which locally deposits large quantities of energy without a general increase of the sample temperature. This promotes diffusion processes which allow the system to relax towards the ordered equilibrium state.