Fe+ and Zn+ ion implantation in MgO single crystals

Abstract

Herein, Fe+ and Zn+ ion implantation effects in MgO single crystals were investigated. Slight improvement in the magnetic behavior of implanted single crystals was observed, however, no ferromagnetic hysteresis was observed despite the presence of Fe ions in the lattice. The effect was associated with the oxidation of these ions and possibly due to occurrence of oxygen vacancies. Angle dependent Mg K-edge near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) measurements reflected the slight change in local electronic structure induced by implantation. Results obtained from O K-edge NEXAFS measurements supported the results obtained from Mg K-edge spectra. These measurements further inferred the interaction between implanted ions and lattice oxygen.