Existence of a Second A3 Phase in B2 Epitaxial Co(2)Cr(1-X)Fe(X)Al Thin Films
The Heusler alloy Co{sub 2}Cr{sub 1-x}Fe{sub x}Al, predicted to be half-metallic for low x, has recently shown relatively large giant and tunnel magnetoresistances in thin film structures. However, the saturation magnetic moment and spin polarization for low x films has been found to fall significantly short of the theoretical half-metallic values. Using transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, we have observed the presence of a second hcp A3 phase in B2 epitaxial thin films of Heusler alloy Co{sub 2}Cr{sub 1-x}Fe{sub x}Al with x < 1. Assuming this second phase to have a lower magnetic moment and spin polarization than the B2 phase explains the reduction in magnetic moments and spin polarizations observed in this class of compounds.
- Research Organization:
- SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Menlo Park, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-76SF00515
- OSTI ID:
- 953141
- Report Number(s):
- SLAC-REPRINT-2009-143; SSCOA4; TRN: US200914%%341
- Journal Information:
- Solid State Commun. 145:223,2008, Vol. 145, Issue 4; ISSN 0038-1098
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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