Novel Magnetic and Opto-Electronic Phenomena in Diluted Magnetic Semiconductor Multilayers

ABSTRACTWe begin by reviewing earlier work involving the epitaxial growth of diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) layers, heterostructures and superlattices. We also describe current efforts at introducing new materials – such as Cd1-xMnxSe – to the family of MBE-grown DMS alloys. We then discuss some of the unique properties of DMS materials that make the study of thin film structures attractive, with particular emphasis on two general aspects. First, we look at the new opportunities in magnetism that are provided by epitaxially grown DMS films. Second, we examine some of the novel phenomena made possible by sp-d exchange effects in the context of DMS quantum well structures.