Incorporation of cobalt into ZnO nanoclusters

The structural, optical and magnetic properties of nanostructured ZnO films co-doped with cobalt and aluminium have been studied. The nanocrystalline films, with cluster sizes in range 50–100 nm, were deposited by pulsed laser ablation in a mixed atmosphere of oxygen and helium. The nanocrystallites have the wurtzite structure and are highly oriented with the c-axis perpendicular to the substrate. Both optical and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy results show the substitutional incorporation of Co2+ ions on the Zn site inside the ZnO nanoclusters. The temperature dependence of the ESR spectra follows Curie law corresponding to a paramagnetic material.