The band structure-matched and highly spin-polarized Co{sub 2}CrZ/Cu{sub 2}CrAl Heusler alloys interface

Journal Article · Mon Nov 16 00:00:00 EST 2009 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3263952· OSTI ID:21294470

Ko, V; Han, G; Qiu, J ^[1]; Feng, Y P ^[2]

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1. Data Storage Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 5 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117608 (Singapore)
2. Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117542 (Singapore)

Here we present a lattice- and band-matched nonmagnetic L21 Heusler alloy spacer for Co{sub 2}CrZ Heusler alloys where Z=Si or Al. By first principle calculations, we find that the band structure matching is almost perfectly satisfied when they are interfaced with Cu{sub 2}CrAl. Despite the loss of half-metallicity due to interface states, our calculations show that the spin polarization at these band-matched (001) interfaces is higher than 80%. These lattice-matched Co{sub 2}CrZ/Cu{sub 2}CrAl interfaces with excellent band matching and enhanced spin scattering asymmetry are promising for all-metallic current-perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance device applications.

• OSTI ID: 21294470
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 95, Issue 20; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.3263952; (c) 2009 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ASYMMETRY
CHROMIUM ALLOYS
COBALT ALLOYS
HEUSLER ALLOYS
MAGNETORESISTANCE
SCATTERING
SILICON ALLOYS
SPIN
SPIN ORIENTATION