Magneto-transport properties and magnetization switching in perpendicular magnetized Mn-rich Heusler alloy Mn2.5CoAl

The temperature dependence of resistivity and the negative magneto-resistance (MR) as well as spin-orbit torque (SOT)-induced magnetization switching behaviors have been investigated in perpendicularly magnetized Mn-rich Heusler alloy Mn2.5CoAl (MCA) films with the different thicknesses (tMCA). The MCA films with excessive Mn partial substitution for Co are subject to compressive strain, resulting in a tunable perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) behavior. Moreover, the resistivity of the MCA film increases with decreasing temperature, showing a semiconducting-like transport behavior. Furthermore, the SOT-induced magnetization switching has been demonstrated in a Pt/MCA heterostructure-based Hall device under an in-plane external field. These results suggest that perpendicularly magnetized Mn-rich Heusler alloy MCA may be a promising candidate material for spintronic devices.