Terahertz Faraday Rotation of SrFe₁₂O₁₉ Hexaferrites Enhanced by Nb Doping

Abstract

The magneto-optical and dielectric behavior of M-type hexaferrites as permanent magnets in the THz band is essential for potential applications like microwave absorbers and antennas, while are rarely reported in recent years. In this work, single-phase SrFe_12-<i>x</i>Nb_<i>x</i>O₁₉ hexaferrite ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid-state sintering method. Temperature dependence of dielectric parameters was investigated here to determine the relationship between dielectric response and magnetic phase transition. The saturated magnetization increases by nearly 12%, while the coercive field decreases by 30% in the <i>x</i> = 0.03 composition compared to that of the <i>x</i> = 0.00 sample. Besides, the Nb substitution improves the magneto-optical behavior in the THz band by comparing the Faraday rotation parameter from 0.75 (<i>x</i> = 0.00) to 1.30 (<i>x</i> = 0.03). The changes in the magnetic properties are explained by a composition-driven increase of the net magnetic moment and enhanced ferromagnetic exchange coupling. The substitution of the donor dopant Nb on the Fe site is a feasible way to obtain multifunctional M-type hexaferrites as preferred candidates for permanent magnets, sensors, and other electronic devices.