Molecular beam epitaxy growth and magnetic properties of Cr-Co-Ga Heusler alloy films

Abstract

We have re-investigated growth and magnetic properties of Cr2CoGa films using molecular beam epitaxy technique. Phase separation and precipitate formation were observed experimentally again in agreement with observation of multiple phases separation in sputtered Cr2CoGa films by M. Meinert et al. However, significant phase separation could be suppressed by proper control of growth conditions. We showed that Cr2CoGa Heusler phase, rather than Co2CrGa phase, constitutes the majority of the sample grown on GaAs(001) at 450 oC. The measured small spin moment of Cr2CoGa is in agreement with predicted HM-FCF nature; however, its Curie temperature is not as high as expected from the theoretical prediction probably due to the off-stoichiometry of Cr2CoGa and the existence of the disorders and phase separation.