Atomic order

Ferromagnetic Co2FeSi Heusler alloys are potential candidates for semiconductor-ferromagnet hybrid structures acting as spin injectors. Besides the basic requirement of structurally perfect hetero-interfaces, these intermetallic alloys have to crystallize in the ordered phase. Generally, long-range order in intermetallic alloys is not necessarily ideal. Its perfection depends on the specific growth conditions. The order diminishes with deviation from stoichiometry. Our research is focused on the investigation of atomic order by combining complementary methods with different spatial resolution with the objective to understand the order-disorder transition depending on relevant parameters, such as composition, growth temperature, orientation of the interface or strain.