The band structure-matched and highly spin-polarized Co2 CrZ/ Cu2 CrAl Heusler alloys interface

Abstract

Here we present a lattice- and band-matched nonmagnetic L21 Heusler alloy spacer for Co2 CrZ Heusler alloys where Z=Si or Al. By first principle calculations, we find that the band structure matching is almost perfectly satisfied when they are interfaced with Cu2 CrAl. Despite the loss of half-metallicity due to interface states, our calculations show that the spin polarization at these band-matched (001) interfaces is higher than 80%. These lattice-matched Co2 CrZ/ Cu2 CrAl interfaces with excellent band matching and enhanced spin scattering asymmetry are promising for all-metallic current-perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance device applications. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.