Magnetic and Electronic Properties of Weyl Semimetal Co2MnGa Thin Films

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Peter Swekis - , Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Aleksandr S. Sukhanov - , Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Yi-Cheng Chen - , National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (Author)
  • Andrei Gloskovskii - , German Electron Synchrotron (DESY) (Author)
  • Gerhard H. Fecher - , Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids (Author)
  • Ioannis Panagiotopoulos - , University of Ioannina (Author)
  • Jorg Sichelschmidt - , Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids (Author)
  • Victor Ukleev - , Paul Scherrer Institute (Author)
  • Anton Devishvili - , Uppsala University (Author)
  • Alexei Vorobiev - , Uppsala University (Author)
  • Dmytro S. Inosov - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Sebastian T. B. Goennenwein - , TUD Dresden University of Technology, University of Konstanz (Author)
  • Claudia Felser - , Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids (Author)
  • Anastasios Markou - , Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids (Author)

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 languageEnglish
Article number251
Number of pages14
JournalNanomaterials
Volume11
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 19 Jan 2021
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85099538409

Keywords

Keywords

  • topological materials, magnetic Weyl semimetals, Heusler compounds, magnetic dichroism, photoelectron spectroscopy, ferromagnetic resonance, polarized neutron reflectivity, thin films, magnetic anisotropy