【Epitaxy Papers】Ferromagnetism with Curie temperature of 500 K in laser-ablated Ga₂O₃ thin films

      Researchers from Masaryk University have published a dissertation titled " Ferromagnetism with Curie temperature of 500 K in laser-ablated Ga₂O₃ thin films " in Materials Chemistry and Physics.

Abstract

      Room-temperature ferromagnetism in thin films of semiconducting oxides is a great interest for spintronic applications. In this study, Ga₂O₃ thin films were deposited on C-cut Al₂O₃ substrates by pulsed laser deposition and exhibited robust room-temperature ferromagnetism. X-ray diffraction confirms that when the films were deposited with atmosphere of 100% oxygen and 100% Ar, β-Ga₂O₃ and α-Ga₂O₃ phases could be obtained, respectively. On the other hand, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals significant variations in oxygen vacancies and gallium oxidation states between those two phases. Magnetic measurements further demonstrate a well-pronounced in-plane ferromagnetism. A high Curie temperature of approximately 500 K is observed. These results indicate that the magnetic properties of Ga₂O₃ thin films can be effectively tuned via phase control, thickness variation, and defect engineering, providing an effective route toward spintronic device applications.

DOI：

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132822