Ferromagnetism in Mn-doped GaN nanocrystals prepared solvothermally at low temperatures

3% and 5% Mn-doped GaN nanocrystals of different sizes, with the average diameters in the range of 4-18 nm, have been prepared by two independent routes under solvothermal conditions starting with two different precursors. The reaction temperature was around 350 degrees C in all the preparations. The nanocrystals so prepared exhibit ferromagnetism with magnetization (M) and Curie temperature (T-C) values increasing with percent of Mn and particle size. The observation of ferromagnetism in Mn-doped GaN nanocrystals prepared at relatively low temperatures is of significance in understanding this potential in spintronics materials. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.