Influence of proton radiation on the nonlinear current-voltage characteristics of pulsed laser deposited ilmenite-hematite thin films

Ilmenite-hematite (IH) [(1−x)FeTiO3·xFe2O3] solid solutions are unique classes of materials showing both magnetic and semiconducting properties, which make them potential candidates for novel applications in microelectronics and spintronics. This paper focuses on their varistor behavior before and after exposure to 40 MeV and 10 MeV proton radiations up to a fluence of 5×1010 p/cm2. The IH films are tolerant to these irradiations with little significant change to the nonlinear current-voltage characteristics. The switching voltage of the devices is in the regime of practical applications, and the radiation tolerance makes these materials suitable for aerospace applications.