Magnetic interactions in IV-VI diluted magnetic semiconductors

Abstract

Diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS) are interesting because of the interplay between the electronic and magnetic subsystems. We describe selected magnetic properties of IV-VI diluted magnetic semiconductors, looking at the similarities and differences between magnetic properties of II-VI, IV-VI, and III-V DMS. We focus on the influence of the crystalline and electronic structure of the material on its magnetic properties, especially on the exchange interactions among magnetic ions. We describe methods of determination of the exchange parameters by using different experimental techniques, such as measurements of magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, and specific heat. We follow the development in the material technology from bulk crystals to thin films and nanostructures.