Element-resolved magnetic moments of Heusler-type ferromagnetic ternary alloy Co2MnGe

We have observed the site-resolved (Co, Mn and Ge) magnetic moments of Co2MnGe with the use of 2p core absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). The evaluated Co and Mn 3d spin magnetic moments are consistent with the values given by the neutron scattering experiment. We have found that the orbital magnetic moment is large for the Co 3d states and is recognizable even for the Mn 3d state, suggesting that a spin-orbit coupling should be reconsidered in the energy band structure in order to verify a half-metallic nature of this alloy. Moreover, we have revealed that the magnetic moment is induced on the Ge site in Co2MnGe.