Abstract Heusler compounds are a large group of intermetallic compounds with over 1000 members with similar crystal structures having a vast array of tunable properties. These properties depend on the number of valence electrons per formula unit allowing tuning of properties through composition and alloying. The Heusler lattice parameters span many metal oxides and semiconductors and their crystal structures are closely related. For spintronic applications, the magnetic and half-metallic properties, in particular, are of great interest. In this paper the electronic and magnetic properties of Heusler compounds are discussed as well as the importance of composition and defect control on tailoring their properties. Examples of applications include the great success of Heusler magnetic tunnel junction in metallic spintronic devices. The potential of going beyond metallic spintronics to the integration of Heusler compounds with III–V semiconductors for semiconductor spintronics device physics and technology, the tuning of magnetic properties, and the fabrication of Heusler compound heterostructures and superlattices are also discussed.

中文翻译：

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Heusler 化合物和自旋电子学

摘要 Heusler 化合物是一大类金属间化合物，有 1000 多个成员，具有相似的晶体结构，具有大量可调特性。这些特性取决于每个分子式单元的价电子数，允许通过成分和合金化调整特性。Heusler 晶格参数跨越许多金属氧化物和半导体，它们的晶体结构密切相关。对于自旋电子应用，磁性和半金属特性尤其令人感兴趣。在本文中，讨论了 Heusler 化合物的电子和磁性特性，以及成分和缺陷控制对调整其特性的重要性。应用示例包括 Heusler 磁隧道结在金属自旋电子器件中的巨大成功。