Magnetotransport in phase-separated (Ga,Fe)N with $γ$'-Ga$_y$Fe$_{4-y}$N nanocrystals

Abstract

The magnetotransport in phase-separated (Ga,Fe)N containing $γ$'-Ga$_y$Fe$_{4-y}$N (0\,$<$\,y\,$<$1) nanocrystals (NCs) is studied in the temperature range between 2\,K and 300\,K. The evolution of the resistivity and of the magnetoresistance (MR) as a function of temperature points at two conduction mechanisms: namely a conventional Arrhenius-type one down to 50\,K, and Mott variable range hopping at lower temperatures, where the spin-polarized current is transported between NCs in a regime in which phonon-scattering effects are not dominant. Below 25\,K, the MR shows a hysteretic contribution at magnetic fields $<$1\,T and proportional to the coercive field. Anisotropic magnetoresistance with values one order of magnitude greater than those previously reported for $γ$'-Fe$_4$N thin films over the whole considered temperature range, confirms that the observed MR in these layers is determined by the embedded nanocrystals.