Ferromagnetism in cubic InN:Mn nanocrystals induced by surface Mn atoms

Abstract

Cubic Mn-doped InN magnetic nanocrystals are prepared by nitriding In₂O₃:Mn nanocrystals. Structural and elemental analyses indicate that Mn is successfully incorporated into InN nanocrystals with no secondary phase or clusters. Ferromagnetism (FM) is observed in the InN:Mn nanocrystals at T_c = 50 K. Results reveal that FM in the nanocrystals originates from surface Mn atoms instead of core counterparts that substitute In atoms. The experimental observations are consistent with theoretical calculations.