Diluted Magnetic Semiconductor Thin Films and Multilayers

We review the properties of diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) thin films and multilayers, with special attention to their usefulness in magneto-optical device applications. We begin with the most widely studied DMS family, i.e., alloys of II-VI semiconductors involving Mn ions. Prospects and challenges are discussed for achieving II1-xMnxVI-based non-reciprocal devices; and for devices operating in the far infrared. We also consider the unique advantages which DMSs offer for probing the properties of semiconductor heterostructures. We then discuss ferromagnetic DMSs, including those based on the III-V semiconductor family. And we briefly review the status of hybrid ferromagnetic-semiconductor structures achieved through recent advances in epitaxy of new materials.