Electronic Structure and Magnetic Exchange Coupling in Ferromagnetic Full Heusler Alloys

TL;DR

This study uses density-functional theory to analyze the electronic structures and magnetic exchange interactions in various ferromagnetic full Heusler alloys, revealing mechanisms and dependencies affecting magnetic coupling.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of exchange mechanisms and their dependence on electronic structure, volume, and valence electrons in full Heusler alloys.

Findings

Different exchange mechanisms identified.

Exchange parameters depend on band structure and volume.

Insights into magnetic interactions in Heusler alloys.

Abstract

Density-functional studies of the electronic structures and exchange interaction parameters have been performed for a series of ferromagnetic full Heusler alloys of general formula Co$_2$MnZ (Z = Ga, Si, Ge, Sn), Rh$_2$MnZ (Z = Ge, Sn, Pb), Ni$_2$MnSn, Cu$_2$MnSn and Pd$_2$MnSn, and the connection between the electronic spectra and the magnetic interactions have been studied. Different mechanisms contributing to the exchange coupling are revealed. The band dependence of the exchange parameters, their dependence on volume and valence electron concentration have been thoroughly analyzed within the Green function technique.