Structural and Magnetic Properties of Co diffused CdTe Nanocrystalline Thin Films Deposited by Electron Beam Evaporation

Co diffused cadmium telluride (CdTe) nanocrystalline thin films with different Co content were prepared by depositing CdTe/Co stacked layers on glass substrates at 373 K using electron beam evaporation technique. The effect of Co content on structural, morphological, chemical, Raman, and magnetic studies were carried out. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed that all Co diffused CdTe films are in zinc blende structure. The lattice parameter increased with increase of Co content. The high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) images illustrated the grain size of the films. EDAX data confirmed the presence of Co, Cd, and Te with nearly stoichiometic. Raman spectra revealed peaks corresponding to A1, TO, and LO modes of CdTe and gradual shift in peak position. The increase in intensity confirmed the incorporation of Co into CdTe host lattice. Magnetic measurements showed a clear well-defined room temperature ferromagnetic hysteresis loop.