Enhancement of magneto-optical effects in ZnHgMnTe solid solutions

Abstract The enhanced Zeeman splitting of the absorption edge and Faraday rotation in quaternary Zn 1− x − y Hg x Mn y Te semimagnetic semiconductors have been studied. Single zinc blende crystals with x =0.4–0.5, y =0.3–0.4 have been grown by a modified Bridgman method. The observed spin splitting and giant Faraday effect are interpreted in terms of strong s, p–d exchange interaction between the localized magnetic moments of Mn 2+ ions and the free-carrier spins. Saturation effect in magnetic field dependence of the Faraday rotation is in agreement with the behavior of the magnetization at high fields. Anomaly of the temperature dependence of the Verdet constant at low temperatures is considered as evidence for phase transition to a spin glass state.