Ab initio comparison of spin-transport properties in MgO-spaced ferrimagnetic tunnel junctions based on Mn3_3Ga and Mn3_3Al

We report on first-principles spin-polarised quantum transport calculations (from NEGF+DFT) in MgO-spaced magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) based on two different Mn-based Heusler ferrimagnetic metals, namely Mn$_3$Al and Mn$_3$Ga in their tetragonal DO$_{22}$ phase. The former is a fully compensated half-metallic ferrimagnet, while the latter is a low-moment high-spin-polarisation ferrimagnet, both with a small lattice mismatch from MgO. In identical symmetric and asymmetric interface reconstructions across a 3-monolayer thick MgO barrier for both ferrimagets, the linear response (low-voltage) spin-transfer torque (STT) and tunneling magneto-resistance (TMR) effects are evaluated. A larger staggered in-plane STT is found in the Mn$_3$Ga case, while the STT in Mn$_3$Al vanishes quickly away from the interface (similarly to STT in ferromagnetic MTJs). The roles are reversed for the TMR, which is practically 100\% in the half-metallic Mn$_3$Al-based MTJs (using the conservative definition) as opposed to 60\% in the Mn$_3$Ga case. The weak dependence on the exact interface reconstruction would suggest Mn$_3$Ga-Mn$_3$Al solid solutions as a possible route towards optimal trade-off of STT and TMR in the low-bias, low-temperature transport regime.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure

Quasi-static magnetization dynamics in a compensated ferrimagnetic half-metal -- Mn2_2Rux_xGa

Exploring anisotropy and diverse magnetization dynamics in specimens with vanishing magnetic moments presents a significant challenge using traditional magnetometry, as the low resolution of existing techniques hinders the ability to obtain accurate results. In this study, we delve deeper into the examination of magnetic anisotropy and quasi-static magnetization dynamics in \mrg\,(MRG) thin films, as an example of a compensated ferrimagnetic half-metal, by employing anomalous Hall effect measurements within a tetragonal crystal lattice system. Our research proposes an innovative approach to accurately determine the complete set of anisotropy constants of these MRG thin films. To achieve this, we perform anomalous Hall voltage curve fitting, using torque models under the macrospin approximation, which allow us to obtain out-of-plane anisotropy constants $K_1=4.0\times10^4$ J m$^{-3}$ ($K_1/M=0.655$\,T) and $K_2=2.54\times10^4$ J m$^{-3}$ ($K_2/M=0.416$\,T), along with a weaker in-plane anisotropy constant $K_3=3.48\times10^3$ J m$^{-3}$ ($K_3/M=0.057$\,T). By additionally employing first-order reversal curves (FORC) and classical Preisach hysteresis (hysterons) models, we are able to validate the efficacy of the macrospin model in capturing the magnetic behavior of MRG thin films. Furthermore, our investigation substantiates that the complex quasi-static magnetization dynamics of MRG thin films can be effectively modelled using a combination of hysteronic and torque models. This approach facilitates the exploration of both linear and non-linear quasi-static magnetization dynamics, in the presence of external magnetic field and/or current-induced effective fields, generated by the spin-orbit torque and spin transfer torque mechanisms.Comment: 14 pages, 10 figure

Magnetism of noncolinear amorphous DyCo3 and TbCo3 thin films

The magnetization of amorphous DyCo3 and TbCo3 is studied by magnetometry, anomalous Hall effect and magneto-optic Kerr effect to understand the temperature-dependent magnetic structure. A square magnetic hysteresis loop with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and coercivity that reaches 3.5 T in the vicinity of the compensation temperature is seen in thin films. An anhysteretic soft component, seen in the magnetization of some films but not in their Hall or Kerr loops is an artefact due to sputter-deposition on the sides of the substrate. The temperature-dependence of the net rare earth moment from 4-300K is deduced, using the cobalt moment in amorphous YxCo1-x. The single-ion anisotropy of the quadrupole moments of the 4f atoms in the randomly-oriented local electrostatic field gradient overcomes their exchange coupling to the cobalt subnetwork, resulting in a sperimagnetic ground state where spins of the noncollinear rare-earth subnetwork are modelled by a distribution of rare earth moments within a cone whose axis is antiparallel to the ferromagnetic axis z of the cobalt subnetwork. The reduced magnetization (Jz)/J at T=0 is calculated from an atomic Hamiltonian as a function of the ratio of anisotropy to exchange energy per rare-earth atom for a range of angles between the local anisotropy axis and -z and then averaged over all directions in a hemisphere. The experimental and calculated values of (J-z)/J are close to 0.7 at low temperature for both Dy and Tb. On increasing temperature, the magnitude of the rare earth moment and the local random anisotropy that creates the cone are reduced; the cone closes and the structure approaches collinear ferrimagnetism well above ambient temperature. An asymmetric spin flop of the exchange-coupled subnetworks appears in the vicinity of the magnetization compensation temperatures of 175K for amorphous Dy0.25Co0.75 and 200 K for amorphous TbCo3.Comment: 23 pages, 12 figure

Au4Mn, a localized ferromagnet with strong spin-orbit coupling, long-range ferromagnetic exchange and high Curie temperature

Metallic Mn-based alloys with a nearest-neighbor Mn-Mn distance greater than 0.4 nm exhibit large, well-localized magnetic moments. Here we investigate the magnetism of tetragonal Au4Mn with a Curie temperature of 385 K, where manganese has a spin moment of 4.1 muB and its orbital moment is quenched. Since 80% of the atoms are gold, the spin orbit interaction is strong and Au4Mn exhibits uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy with surface maze domains at room temperature. The magnetic hardness parameter of 1.0 is sufficient to maintain the magnetization along the c-axis for a sample of any shape. Au also reduces the spin moment of Mn through 5d-3d orbital hybridization. An induced moment of 0.05 muB was found on Au under a pulsed field of 40 T. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the Mn-Mn exchange is mediated by spin-polarized gold 5d and 6p electrons. The distance-dependence shows that it is ferromagnetic or zero for the first ten shells of Mn neighbors out to 1.041 nm (64 atoms), and very weak and oscillatory thereafter

Fabrication and soft magnetic properties of rapidly quenched Co-Fe-B-Si-Nb ultra-thin amorphous ribbons

Ultra-thin soft magnetic amorphous ribbons of Co-Fe-B-Si-Nb alloy were synthesised by a single step rapid-quenching approach to acquire advantage of improved material performance and lower costs over commercial amorphous alloys. The amorphous ribbons of approximately 5.5 µm thicknesses were quenched by a single roller melt spinner in a single-step production process and characterised for their structural and magnetic properties. The disordered atomic structure of amorphous ribbons was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction. A surface morphology study revealed the continuity of ultra-thin ribbons without pores over a large scale. The amorphous alloy showed the ultra-soft magnetic properties in the as-quenched state. The observed thickness dependency of the magnetic properties was attributed to the increased surface roughness and possibly due to a lack of densely packed atomic structure resulting from the extremely high cooling rates experienced by ultra-thin ribbons. We propose that in-situ thinning process of amorphous ribbons significantly reduces the basic material cost and eliminates the need for post-processing steps; hence it provides the opportunity for mass production of high-performance soft magnetic amorphous ribbons at relatively lower costs