Electrodeposited Heusler alloy films with enhanced magneto-optical property

Growth of Heusler alloy films through techniques other than conventional physical vapor deposition presents a challenge for spintronic materials research. In this study an electrochemical deposition approach for these alloys is demonstrated in which sub-micron thickness control can be achieved. By using magneto optic Kerr effect and Kerr microscopy measurements a systematic study of surface magnetization reversal behavior of these films is presented. The results demonstrate that the growth of sub-micron films of Co2FeSn leads to significant enhancement in magneto optic Kerr rotation. A large Kerr rotation value up to 300 mdeg was observed for thin films of thickness similar to 200 nm. The modified scheme reported here opens up a path for exploration of electrochemical method as a facile route for fabricating Heusler alloys with improved surface property.