Formation and coupling of magnetic moments in Heusler alloys

The microscopic mechanisms responsible for both the formation and coupling of magnetic moments in Heusler alloys (${X}_{2}\mathrm{Mn}Y$) are identified. We find that the $X$ atoms (e.g., Cu, Pd) serve primarily to determine the lattice constant, while the $Y$ atoms (e.g., Al, In, Sb) mediate the int... View More