Half-metallic Ferromagnets, Spin Gapless Semiconductors, and Topological Semimetals Based on Heusler Alloys

TL;DR

This review discusses the electronic and magnetic properties of Heusler alloys in various states, highlighting their potential for tunable applications due to their sensitive and exotic electronic characteristics.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical and experimental understanding of Heusler alloys in different electronic states and their transitions.

Findings

Heusler alloys exhibit highly sensitive magnetic and electronic properties.

Transitions between different electronic states can be controlled.

Potential for practical applications due to tunable properties.

Abstract

A review of theoretical and experimental studies of the electronic structure, electronic and magnetic properties of various systems of Heusler alloys in the states of a half-metallic ferromagnet, a spin gapless semiconductor, and a topological semimetal is presented. These substances have unusual, highly sensitive to external influences, magnetic and electronic characteristics, which is associated with the presence of energy gaps and exotic excitations in them. The features of the behavior and evolution of the electronic structure and properties in each of these states, as well as during the transition between them, are considered. The possibility to purposefully control the properties of such materials is prospective for their practical application.