Neutron diffraction and reflectivity studies of interlayer correlations in magnetic semiconductor superlattices

An overview of neutron scattering studies on two classes of magnetic semiconductor superlattices, MnTe/II-Te (II=Cd, Zn) and Eu-VI/Pb-VI (VI=S, Te) is presented. Diffraction experiments reveal distinct correlations between layers of MnTe even though they are antiferromagnetic (AFM) and the systems are nearly-insulating. Current theory status is discussed. In EuTe/PbTe, pronounced correlations between AFM EuTe blocks are also seen. In EuS/PbS, the only ferromagnetic (FM) system in the group, neutron diffractometry and reflectometry show strong AFM correlations between the FM EuS block. A tight-binding model is used in both Eu-based systems to explain interaction transfer across the non-magnetic block without the assistance of carriers.