Mn2Au: body centered tetragonal bimetallic antiferromagnet grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract

: Mn2Au, a layered bimetal, has been successfully grown using MBE technique in AFM/FM bilayer setting. Our experiments and first principle calculations suggest that Mn2Au film is an antiferromagnet with a much lower critical temperature compared with the theoretical prediction for bulk Mn2Au. First principle calculations indicate that the reduced critical temperature is likely due to the interface between Mn2Au and Fe which was affected by local increase of d-states concentration. Our experimental and theoretical studies establish a primary basis for further research of this new antiferromagnet with bct structure in the context of different spin-electronic device applications such as novel spin valves with PMA free layer and antiferromagnetic spin-electronic devices.