Spin dependent tunneling and strain sensitivity in a Co₂MnSb/HfIrSb magnetic tunneling junction: a first-principles study

Half-metallic Co-based full Heusler alloys have captured considerable attention of researchers in the realm of spintronic applications, owing to their remarkable characteristics such as exceptionally high spin polarization at the Fermi level, ultra-low Gilbert damping, and a high Curie temperature. In this comprehensive study, employing the density functional theory, we delve into the electronic stability and ballistic spin transport properties of a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) comprising a Co₂MnSb/HfIrSb interface. An in-depth investigation of k-dependent spin transmissions uncovers the occurrence of coherent tunneling for the Mn-Mn/Ir interface, particularly when a spacer layer beyond a certain thickness is employed. It has been found that the Co-terminated Co₂MnSb/HfIrSb interface shows perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, while those with Mn-Sb and Mn-Mn termination exhibit in-plane magnetic anisotropy. Furthermore, our spin-dependent transmission calculations demonstrate that the Mn-Mn/Ir interface manifests strain-sensitive transmission properties under both compressive and tensile strain and yields a remarkable three-fold increase in majority spin transmission under tensile strain conditions. We find a tunnel magnetoresistance of ∼500% under a bi-axial strain of −3%, beyond which the tunnel resistance is found to be theoretically infinite. These compelling outcomes place the Co₂MnSb/HfIrSb junction among the highly promising candidates for nanoscale spintronic devices, emphasizing the potential significance of the system in the advancement of the field.