Evidence of half-metallic interface magnetism via local moment formation in Co based Heusler alloys
In this work we use a combination of x-ray magnetic circular and linear dichroism (XMCD and XMLD) techniques to examine the formation of local moments in Heusler alloys of the composition Co{sub 2}MnX (where X=Si or Al). The existence of local moments in a half-metallic system is reliant upon the band gap in the minority-spin states. By utilizing the element-specific nature of x-ray techniques we are able to explore the origin of the minority-spin band gap in the partial density of states (PDOS), via the degree of localization of moments on Co and Mn atoms. We observe a crucial difference in the localization of the Co moment when comparing Co{sub 2}MnSi (CMS) and Co{sub 2}MnAl (CMA) films that is consistent with the predicted larger minority-spin gap in the Co PDOS for CMS. These results provide important evidence for the dominant role of the Co minority-spin states in realizing half-metallic ferromagnetism (HMF) in these Heusler alloys. They also demonstrate a direct method for measuring the degree of interfacial HMF in the raw materials without the need for fabricating spin-transport devices.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Advanced Light Source Division
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-05CH11231
- OSTI ID:
- 944535
- Report Number(s):
- LBNL-1285E; TRN: US200902%%620
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review B, Vol. 78; Related Information: Journal Publication Date: 184438
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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