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Preparation and Investigation of Interfaces of Co2Cr1−x Fe x Al Thin Films

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Spintronics

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Abstract

In the framework of spin polarization investigations of Heusler compounds by the measurement of the magnetoresistance (TMR) of tunneling junctions with AlO x barrier special emphasis is put on the role of the interfaces.

It is demonstrated how an unsuitable morphology can limit the TMR. The barrier morphology could be improved by inserting a Mg layer at the Heusler/barrier interface. Evidence is given that this very thin Mg layer is acting as a seed layer for improving the Al morphology and not as a barrier for coherent MgO tunneling. Thus the Jullière model can be used for evaluating a relatively large spin polarization of 67 % for the B2 ordered Heusler compound Co2Cr0.6Fe0.4Al, which is close to theoretical predictions.

The magnetic surface and bulk moments of the ferromagnetic Heusler compounds Co2Cr0.6Fe0.4Al and Co2CrAl were comparatively investigated by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements (collaboration with Prof. H.-J. Elmers). We provide evidence that the magnetism of the film interface region is fully developed with an interface magnetic ordering temperature which can be higher than in the bulk.

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Acknowledgements

Financial support by the German research foundation (DFG-Jo404/4-1), project P11 in research unit 559, is acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Physik, Johannes Gutenberg – Universität, 55099, Mainz, Germany

    Martin Jourdan

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  1. Martin Jourdan
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Correspondence to Martin Jourdan .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Inst. Anorg. Chemie und Analyt. Chemie, Universität Mainz, Germany, Staudingerweg 9, Mainz, 55099, Germany

    Claudia Felser

  2. Inst. Anorg. Chemie und Analyt. Chemie, Universität Mainz, Germany, Staudingerweg 9, Mainz, 55099, Germany

    Gerhard H Fecher

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Jourdan, M. (2013). Preparation and Investigation of Interfaces of Co2Cr1−x Fe x Al Thin Films. In: Felser, C., Fecher, G. (eds) Spintronics. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3832-6_16

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