The role of 3d electrons in the appearance of ferromagnetism in the antiferromagnetic Ru2MnGe Heusler compound: a magnetic Compton scattering study

• Published in: Journal of physics. Condensed matter 2012-06, Vol.24 (25), p.255601-255601
• Main Authors: Mizusaki, S, Ohnishi, T, Douzono, A, Hirose, M, Nagata, Y, Itou, M, Sakurai, Y, Ozawa, T C, Samata, H, Noro, Y
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Exact sciences and technology; Magnetic properties and materials; Physics; Spin arrangements in magnetically ordered materials (including neutron and spin-polarized electron studies, synchrotron-source x-ray scattering, etc.)
• ISSN: 0953-8984; 1361-648X
• DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/24/25/255601

The antiferromagnetism in Ru2MnGe can be suppressed by the substitution of V by Mn and ferromagnetism appears. Synchrotron-based magnetic Compton scattering experiments are used in order to investigates the role of 3d electrons in the indirect/direct exchange interactions for the appearance of ferromagnetism. A small spin moment for the itinerant electron part on the magnetic Compton profile indicates that the metallic ferromagnet Ru2Mn0.5V0.5Ge has a weak indirect exchange interaction between the d-like and sp-like (itinerant) electrons. This suggests that the appearance of ferromagnetism is caused by the enhancement of the direct exchange interactions between d-d electrons in the Ru2MnGe Heusler compound. These findings indicate that the indirect exchange interaction between itinerant electrons and localized electrons is a significant key point for the appearance of ferromagnetism in this system.