Heusler compounds at a glance

Abstract

The class of Heusler compounds, including the XYZ and the X2YZ compounds, does not only have an endless number of members, but also a vast variety of properties can be found in this class of materials, ranging from semi-conductors, half-metallic ferromagnets, superconductors, and topological insulators to shape memory alloys. With this chapter, we would like to provide an overview of Heusler compounds, focusing on basis design principles, their properties and potential applications.