Ferromagnetism in transparent Mn(II)-doped indium tin oxide films prepared by sol–gel coating

We observe remarkably strong room temperature ferromagnetism [∼1.5 μB/Mn(II)] in optically transparent Mn(II)-doped indium tin oxide (ITO) films. The nanocrystalline films with average grain size 10–22 nm and thickness 150–350 nm are prepared by sol–gel coating technique on soda lime silica glass substrate. The ferromagnetic property is, of course, weak for films deposited on pure silica glass substrate. The structural parameters of the films appear to be governing the magnetic property strongly which vary appreciably depending on the substrate. The observation of room temperature ferromagnetism in transparent conducting ITO films may find a plethora of applications in the area of magneto-optics.