Effect of Ar Post-irradiations on Magnetic Properties of Cu-Implanted ZnO Single Crystals
Ar{sup +} post-irradiation effects on magnetic behavior of Cu{sup +}-implanted ZnO single crystals were studied. It was found that Cu{sup +}-implanted and Ar{sup +}-irradiated samples, even the primary sample, showed a magnetic moment (M{sub M}), but the saturation magnetization (M{sub S}) of Ar{sup +} post-irradiated on Cu{sup +} as-implanted one drastically decreased. Based on the first-principle method, it was drawn to the incomplete filling electronic configuration of the substituted Cu ion whose 3d orbital hybridized with O-2p contributing to the magnetism. The M{sub M} induced by the substituted Cu{sup +} ion was much less than that induced by the substituted Cu{sup 2+} and Cu{sup 3+} ion, so the ratio of Cu{sup 2+,3+}/Cu{sup +} decreased after Ar{sup +} post-irradiation, leading to the decrease of M{sub S}. The excessive concentration of O vacancy induced by post-irradiation also weakened the M{sub M} by their compensating electrons, and decreased the effective magnetic exchange coupling interaction. Cu-related clusters dissolution was also a critical reason for the reduction of M{sub S}.