Effect of a constant magnetic field on the luminescence of gallium phosphide crystals

Subject of study . This study investigates the magnetically stimulated photoluminescence of single crystals of gallium phosphide doped with zinc. Aim of study . This study aims to determine the luminescence intensity curves for single crystals of gallium phosphide and to determine characteristic relaxation times after pre-exposure of samples in a permanent magnetic field in an effort to magnetically control the optical properties of individual gallium phosphide crystals. Method . The luminescence spectra of gallium phosphide at room temperature were studied using an experimental setup that consisted of a spectrophotometer and a 405-nm exciting laser. The samples were exposed to a constant magnetic field with a magnetic induction less than 0.8 T between the poles of neodymium magnets. Main results . Pre-exposure to a constant magnetic field was experimentally found to affect the luminescence spectra of gallium phosphide crystals. Specifically, pre-exposure of a sample of zinc-doped gallium phosphide to a constant magnetic field (greater than 0.5 T) caused the luminescence intensity at 565 nm to increase. The peak intensity of the fluorescence band had a relaxation time of 180 minutes. Practical significance . The results obtained herein (indicating that a permanent magnetic field affects the spectral characteristics of gallium phosphide crystals) will support the development of techniques for efficiently modifying the electronic properties of a gallium phosphide monolayer, which will, in turn, enable the development of new multifunctional materials for optoelectronic applications.