Formation of ferromagnetic Co–H–Co complex and spin-polarized conduction band in Co-doped ZnO

Magnetic oxide semiconductors with wide band gaps have promising spintronic applications, especially in the case of magneto-optic devices. Co-doped ZnO (ZnCoO) has been considered for these applications, but the origin of its ferromagnetism has been controversial for several decades and no substantial progress for a practical application has been made to date. In this paper, we present direct evidence of hydrogen-mediated ferromagnetism and spin polarization in the conduction band of ZnCoO. Electron density mapping reveals the formation of Co-H-Co, in agreement with theoretical predictions. Electron spin resonance measurement elucidates the ferromagnetic nature of ZnCoO by the formation of Co-H-Co. We provide evidence from magnetic circular dichroism measurements supporting the hypothesis that Co-H-Co contributes to the spin polarization of the conduction band of hydrogen-doped ZnCoO.