High-Pressure Magnetic and Transport Properties of Zn0.1Cd0.9GeAs2 + n wt % MnAs (n = 10 or 15) Nanocomposites

Abstract

The magnetic susceptibility χ(T) of Zn_0.1Cd_0.9GeAs₂ + n wt % MnAs (n = 10 or 15) ferromagnetic nanocomposites with a Curie temperature T_C = 310 K has been measured as a function of temperature in the temperature range 270–350 K, and their resistivity ρ(p), Hall coefficient R_H(p), and magnetization M(p) have been measured as functions of pressure near room temperature. The materials have been shown to undergo a pressure-induced ferromagnetic-to-paramagnetic phase transition, accompanied by a semiconductor–metal phase transition, at a hydrostatic pressure p ≈ 3.2 GPa and room temperature.