Structure, exchange stiffness, and magnetic anisotropy of Co2MnAlxSi1−x Heusler compounds

Abstract

We have investigated the exchange constant A (exchange stiffness D) and the magnetic anisotropy of Co2MnAlxSi1−x (CMAS) Heusler compounds as a function of the film composition. In case of Co2MnSi, A was found to be 23.5 pJ/m (D=5.86 meV nm2). Furthermore, A decreased with an increase in the Al content x. In the case of Co2MnAl, it was found to be 4.8 pJ/m (D=1.90 meV nm2). Finally, the cubic anisotropy constant K1 of CMAS films was found to be small (below 10 kJ/m3) and did not exhibit simple dependence on x.