Magnetic and Electronic Properties of Weyl Semimetal Co2MnGa Thin Films
Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review
Contributors
Abstract
Magnetic Weyl semimetals are newly discovered quantum materials with the potential for use in spintronic applications. Of particular interest is the cubic Heusler compound Co2MnGa due to its inherent magnetic and topological properties. This work presents the structural, magnetic and electronic properties of magnetron co-sputtered Co2MnGa thin films, with thicknesses ranging from 10 to 80 nm. Polarized neutron reflectometry confirmed a uniform magnetization through the films. Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed a high degree of spin polarization and localized (itinerant) character of the Mn d (Co d) valence electrons and accompanying magnetic moments. Further, broadband and field orientation-dependent ferromagnetic resonance measurements indicated a relation between the thickness-dependent structural and magnetic properties. The increase of the tensile strain-induced tetragonal distortion in the thinner films was reflected in an increase of the cubic anisotropy term and a decrease of the perpendicular uniaxial term. The lattice distortion led to a reduction of the Gilbert damping parameter and the thickness-dependent film quality affected the inhomogeneous linewidth broadening. These experimental findings will enrich the understanding of the electronic and magnetic properties of magnetic Weyl semimetal thin films.
Details
Original language | English |
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Article number | 251 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Nanomaterials |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 19 Jan 2021 |
Peer-reviewed | Yes |
Externally published | Yes |
External IDs
Scopus | 85099538409 |
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Keywords
Keywords
- topological materials, magnetic Weyl semimetals, Heusler compounds, magnetic dichroism, photoelectron spectroscopy, ferromagnetic resonance, polarized neutron reflectivity, thin films, magnetic anisotropy