Development of antiferromagnetic Heusler alloys for the replacement of iridium as a critically raw material

摘要: As a platinum group metal, iridium (Ir) is the scarcest element on earth but it has been widely used as an antiferromagnetic layer in magnetic recording, crucibles and spark plugs due to its high melting point. In layers have pin neighbouring ferromagnetic spin-valve read head hard disk drive for example. Recently, also found induce spin-polarised electrical current. these devices, most commonly antiferromagnet Ir-Mn alloy because of corrosion resistance reliable pinning adjacent layers. It therefore crucial explore new materials without critical raw materials. this review, recent research Heusler compounds their exchange interactions along plane normal discussed. These antiferromagnets are characterised by very sensitive measurement techniques recently developed determine characteristic temperatures together with atomic structural analysis. Mn-based alloys be promising based robustness against disordering large strength up 1.4 kOe, which comparable that Ir-Mn. The search films characterisation useful further miniaturisation development spintronic devices sustainable manner.