Microstructures and Interface Magnetic Moments in Mn2VAl/Fe Layered Films Showing Exchange Bias

Heusler alloys are a material class exhibiting various magnetic properties, including antiferromagnetism. A typical application of antiferromagnets is exchange bias that is a shift of the magnetization curve observed in a layered structure consisting of antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic films. In this study, a layered sample consisting of a Heusler alloy, Mn2VAl and a ferromagnet, Fe, is selected as a material system exhibiting exchange bias. Although the fully ordered Mn2VAl is known as a ferrimagnet, with an optimum fabrication condition for the Mn2VAl layer, the Mn2VAl/Fe layered structure exhibits exchange bias. The appearance of the antiferromagnetic property in the Mn2VAl is remarkable; however, the details have been unclear. To clarify the microscopic aspects on the crystal structures and magnetic moments around the Mn2VAl/Fe interface, cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) observation, and synchrotron soft X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements were employed. The high-angle annular dark-field STEM images demonstrated clusters of Mn2VAl with the L2(1) phase distributed only around the interface to the Fe layer in the sample showing the exchange bias. Furthermore, antiferromagnetic coupling between the Mn- and Fe-moments were observed in element-specific hysteresis loops measured using the XMCD. The locally ordered L2(1) phase and antiferromagnetic Mn-moments in the Mn2VAl were suggested as important factors for the exchange bias.

Automated summary

Heusler alloys exhibit various magnetic properties, including antiferromagnetism, with a typical application being exchange bias in layered structures. This study focused on a layered sample of Mn2VAl and Fe, showing exchange bias. Microscopic analysis revealed the importance of antiferromagnetic coupling and locally ordered phases in the generation of exchange bias.