Influence of the Electronic State of Atoms on High-Temperature Ferromagnetism of Lithium-Doped ZnO Thin Films

Abstract

This paper discusses the results of structural and magnetic measurements of Zn 1−x Li x O y thin films (x = 0-0.06) synthesized by the PLD method under various conditions, as well as the results of analysis of the electronic state of atoms. It was discovered that all Zn 1−x Li x O y thin films contain a single ZnO phase with a wurzite structure (P6 3 /mc) oriented along the c-direction. Thickness (90-117 nm) and roughness (2-7 nm) of the synthesized films were determined. A high-temperature ferromagnetism was detected in Zn 1-x Li x O y thin films (x = 0.02-0.06); it increased upon the increase in lithium concentration. Interstitial lithium atoms (Li i ) were assumed to play a special role in its occurrence.