High spin polarization in epitaxial films of ferrimagnetic Mn3Ga

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Kurt H., Rode K., Venkatesan M., Stamenov P., Coey J. M. D.

PHYSICAL REVIEW B, vol.83, no.2, 2011 (Peer-Reviewed Journal) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 83 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Doi Number: 10.1103/physrevb.83.020405
  • Journal Name: PHYSICAL REVIEW B
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded, Scopus

Abstract

Ferrimagnetic Mn3Ga exhibits a unique combination of low saturation magnetization (M-s = 0.11 MAm-1) and high perpendicular anisotropy with a uniaxial anisotropy constant of K-u = 0.89 MJm(-3). Epitaxial c-axis films exhibit spin polarization as high as 58%, measured using point-contact Andreev reflection. These epitaxial films will be able to support thermally stable sub-10-nm bits for spin-transfer torque memories.