Mn2FeSi: An antiferromagnetic inverse-Heusler alloy
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-15-2020
Abstract
Search for low-moment magnetic materials with high spin-polarization is important for emerging spintronics applications. In this work, we have conducted detailed growth and characterization along with complementary first-principles calculations to investigate the structure and magnetism of Mn2FeSi, which is a prospective inverse-Heusler material. We confirm that Mn2FeSi adopts a cubic inverse-Heusler structure, in excellent agreement with theory. The magnetic and resistivity measurements show an antiferromagnetic behavior with a Néel temperature of 48 K, which is consistent with prior experimental reports. We find that a low-moment state with higher ordering temperature (150–200 K) can be stabilized under certain growth conditions. Supporting calculations show that Neel-type antiferromagnetic states are energetically very close to the ferrimagnetic ground state. Our work provides evidence that Mn2FeSi may be interesting for exploring newer applications with low-moment materials, but the ordering temperatures are low for viable practical applications.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Recommended Citation
Aryal, A., Bakkar, S., Samassekou, H., Pandey, S., Dubenko, I., Stadler, S., Ali, N., & Mazumdar, D. (2020). Mn2FeSi: An antiferromagnetic inverse-Heusler alloy. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 823 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2020.153770