Effects of thin MnAl buffer layer on structural and magnetic properties of MnAl films

Thin Mn(2 nm)/Al(2 nm) bilayers serving as buffer layers have been prepared prior to the deposition of MnAl films. The ferromagnetic τ-phase forms in the buffer layers at an optimum substrate temperature. As a template it induces the growth of following MnAl film. Compared with the case of film without buffer layer, the growth of nonferromagnetic phase is suppressed and the structural and magnetic properties of MnAl film are improved. Weak dipolar inter-grain coupling is revealed in the MnAl film, and the magnetic reversal process is dominated by magnetic moment rotation.