Prospect for tunneling anisotropic magneto-resistance in ferrimagnets: Spin-orbit coupling effects in Mn_3Ge and Mn_3Ga

摘要

Magnetic anisotropic phenomena in Mn_3Ge and Mn_3Ga ferrimagnets are studied by first-principles density functional theory calculations. We find a large positive magnetic anisot-ropy energy, associated with the Mn-atoms in the 4d-crystallographic positions. Sizable anisotropy in the density of states is found in the vicinity of the Fermi energy, and suggests the promising possibility for the generation of a sizable tunneling anisotropic magneto-resistance effect (TAMR). The use of the ferrimagnetic materials for TAMR magnetic tunneling junctions is discussed as a prospective alternative for ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic materials.