Structural, magnetic, and thermomagnetic properties of Co2FeAl/(W,Ti) thin films: Role of non-ferromagnetic metal thickness

This study focuses on exploring the impact of non-magnetic (NM) cap layer thickness on the thermoelectric properties of Co2FeAl/NM (NM = W, Ti) heterostructures, specifically on the analysis of the Anomalous Nernst Effect (ANE) and/or Longitudinal Spin Seebeck Effect (LSSE). The choice of NM cap layers, W and Ti, is motivated by their influence on the heterostructure's protection, hardness, and electrical properties. The experimental results demonstrate that the Co2FeAl films consistently exhibit ANE voltages, regardless of the presence of Co2FeAl/NM materials. Notably, the Co2FeAl/W and Co2FeAl/Ti heterostructures display enhanced ANE voltages compared to pure Co2FeAl samples (at Delta T=22 K, VANE approximate to 12 mu V, 15 mu V, and 17 mu V, respectively). These findings provide valuable insights into the characteristics of Co2FeAl-based materials and their potential applications in spintronic devices. Moreover, this study goes beyond thermomagnetic characterization by demonstrating a prototype in which the produced heterostructure works as a temperature sensor element.

Automated summary

This study explores the influence of non-magnetic cap layer thickness on the thermoelectric properties of Co2FeAl/NM heterostructures and analyzes their potential applications in the Anomalous Nernst Effect and Longitudinal Spin Seebeck Effect. The experimental results demonstrate that Co2FeAl/W and Co2FeAl/Ti heterostructures exhibit enhanced ANE voltages, providing valuable insights into Co2FeAl-based materials and spintronic devices.