Electrical and magnetic characterization of Iron-Doped Gallium oxide thin films

Fe-doped gallium oxide (Ga2O3) is an intriguing material to investigate due to its magnetic affinity to the material magnetite (Fe₃O₄), a type of iron oxide. A fascinating phenomenon in magnetite can be observed at around 120K, called the Verwey transition, characterized by a significant increase in electrical resistivity as the temperature drops. Magnetite is currently used in nanotechnology applications and the production of magnetic nanocomposite materials. Iron-doped (Ga2O3) has a higher Verwey transition temperature, making it a more stable and applicable material with potential applications in various fields. This work investigates the electrical and magnetic properties of iron-doped gallium oxide and determines if it exhibits a Verwey transition. Titanium ohmic contacts had to be created using the AJA Magnetron sputter system to measure the electrical conductivity in the DynaCool physical property measurement system (PPMS). The results displayed electrical conduction from 300K- to 400K, a much higher temperature range than predicted, meaning it may resemble magnetite magnetically but not electrically.