Structural and magnetic properties of zinc ferrite thin films irradiated by 90 keV neon ions

Abstract The effects of 90 keV neon beam irradiation on the structure and magnetic properties of zinc ferrite thin films have been investigated through several methods, namely, X-ray diffraction technique, Vibrating Sample and SQUID magnetometers. Beforehand, the pristine have also been characterized using profilometry and microscopy techniques. In particular single-phase formation of the thin films deposited on monocrystalline Si (111) substrate by pulsed laser deposition technique was confirmed. Crystal lattice, coercivity, saturation magnetization have been studied for the first time, as a function of ion penetration depth and irradiation fluence. The chemical composition and the crystallinity of the films are not affected with the ion impact acting as a mechanical stress relief. On the contrary, both magnetization and coercivity are sensitive to Ne q+ ion irradiation and exhibit different behaviours depending on the ion fluence range.