Abstract
The electronic structure, magnetic properties and interface effects in
Co2CrAl-Cr superstructures have been investigated by the use of first
principle calculations. The results show that at the interface, a large
magnetic moment and a high spin polarization can be induced by a strong
ferromagnetic exchange interaction at the Cr-Co interface. However, at
the CrAl-Cr interface, both the magnetic moment and the spin
polarization of the Cr atoms are decreased due to a Cr-Cr
antiferromagnetic interaction. It can also be found that the interface
effect is only a short range effect. So, high spin polarization in
Co2CrAl-Cr superlattice can be obtained. Based on this theoretical
analysis, a large giant magnetoresistance effect can be expected in the
Co2CrAl-Cr superlattices with proper thickness of the Cr spacer layers.
