Thin Films of Heusler Alloy – Ni2(MnCu)(GaAl): Estructural and Magnetic Properties, a Spin Glass Behavior-Like Appears

Heusler alloys are ternary metallic alloys with intriguing magnetic properties, such as shape transition and appreciable magnetocaloric effects, among others. This study investigates thin films of Heusler alloy with an approximate concentration of Ni2Mn0.7Cu0.3Ga0.8Al0.2, focusing on their structural and magnetic properties. The films, produced by sputter deposition, ranged in thickness from 32 nm to 300 nm on a Si (100) substrate with a 30 nm Ta adhesion layer. The structural transition (at 260 K) was observed only in the 300 nm thick film, with a Curie temperature around 300 K. Additionally, a spin glass behavior was noted in these samples and corroborated using the Vogel-Fulcher model.