Direct Observation of Atomic Ordering and Interface Structure in Co2MnSi/MgO/Co2MnSi Magnetic Tunnel Junctions by High-Angle Annular Dark-Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy

The atomic ordering of Co2MnSi (CMS) full-Heusler film and the interface structure of CMS/MgO/CMS magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) were investigated by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF STEM). We observed the atomic ordering of L2(1) and B2 structures of CMS from the atomic number (Z) contrast STEM images. We also confirmed that the interface structure consists of the layer next to the Co layer terminating in the CMS to MgO layer from the layer periodicity along the [001] direction, however, site-disorder exists between two atomic layers at the termination of CMS, including locally L2(1)-ordered MnSi terminated structure. (C) 2009 The Japan Society of Applied Physics