Magnetic anisotropies and magnetization reversal of the Co$_2$Cr$_{0.6}$Fe$_{0.4}$Al Heusler compound

TL;DR

This study investigates the magnetic anisotropies and reversal mechanisms of the Co$_2$Cr$_{0.6}$Fe$_{0.4}$Al Heusler compound, revealing growth-induced anisotropy and domain structures affecting magnetization behavior.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the anisotropy and domain structures of epitaxial CCFA films on different buffer layers, highlighting the influence of substrate-induced effects.

Findings

Both samples show fourfold anisotropy due to growth conditions.

Distinct domain structures influence magnetization reversal.

Sharp coercive field peaks observed only on Cr buffer layer.

Abstract

Magnetic anisotropies and magnetization reversal properties of the epitaxial Heusler compound Co$_2$Cr$_{0.6}$Fe$_{0.4}$Al (CCFA) deposited on Fe and Cr buffer layers are studied. Both samples exhibit a growth-induced fourfold anisotropy, and magnetization reversal occurs through the formation of stripy domains or 90 degree domains. During rotational magnetometric scans the sample deposited on Cr exhibits about 2 degree sharp peaks in the angular dependence of the coercive field, which are oriented along the hard axis directions. These peaks are a consequence of the specific domain structure appearing in this particular measurement geometry. A corresponding feature in the sample deposited on Fe is not observed.