Magnetic properties of pulsed laser deposited Co1−xZnxFe2O4 (0.10 ≤ x ≤ 0.70) thin films

Abstract The magnetic properties of pulsed laser deposited Co-Zn ferrite [Co 1−x Zn x Fe 2 O 4 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.7)] nanocrystalline thin films have been investigated. The films were deposited on amorphous quartz substrate. The observed magnetic properties of the films depend on the deposition temperature (T S ), the annealing temperature (T A ) and the Zn content (x). A magnetization value higher than bulk was observed in a room temperature deposited Co rich (x = 0.1) Co-Zn ferrite thin films, when the films were ex-situ annealed at T A = 750 °C. On the other hand, in Zn rich (x = 0.7) Co-Zn ferrite, a magnetization value higher than bulk (x = 0.7) was obtained in a film deposited at T S = 750 °C. The unusual magnetization values are explained on the basis of grain growth and the cation distribution in thin films.