Spin-dependent transport in C:Co and C:Ni nanocomposite thin films

Nanocomposites exhibiting spin-dependent transport properties show a potential for applications in spintronics. Carbon:transition metal nanocomposites are of particular interest due to their multifunctionality and easiness to control their morphology, and thus properties. In this contribution, we present the study of magneto-transport properties of C:Co and C:Ni nanocomposites. The films were grown by ion beam co-sputtering on thermally oxidized silicon substrates in the temperature range of 200-500°C. Two major effects have been found for C:Co films: (i) a large anomalous Hall effect amounting to 2 micro-Ohm-cm; (ii) a negative magnetoresistance. Both the field-dependent resistivity and Hall resistivity curves well correspond to the magnetization curve, which suggests a spin-dependent transport in the nanocomposite thin films. A similar effect is also reported for C:Ni nanocomposite films. A correlation is reported between the magneto-transport properties and the film microstructure.