Heusler alloys for metal spintronics

Heusler alloys have been theoretically predicted and experimentally demonstrated to be an ideal spin source due to their half-metallicity at room temperature. The half-metallicity also offers low Gilbert damping constants for fast magnetization reversal with low switching current density. These intrinsic properties can offer better operationability in spin-transfer-torque-based devices. In addition spin–orbit torque can be exerted using Heusler alloys for spin Hall and caloritronic effects. These properties can be precisely controlled by substituting the constituent elements in a Heusler alloy. We review the recent development on these spintronic devices and summarize their future perspectives. Graphical abstract