Structural and magnetic properties of epitaxial <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:mrow> <mml:mi mathvariant="normal">M</mml:mi> <mml:msub> <mml:mi mathvari

Abstract

We report on the synthesis and characterization of M n 3 Ga thin films with controlled phase and orientation using DC magnetron sputtering. High-quality Mn-deficient hexagonal M n 3 Ga films with C-plane and M-plane orientations were achieved on various single-crystal substrates, and their structural properties were systematically investigated by x-ray diffraction. Magnetization, Hall effect, and neutron diffraction measurements confirm the formation of antiferromagnetic order below T N = 460 – 470 K and reveal its characteristic magnetic behavior. A sizable anomalous Hall effect is observed coexistent with weak net magnetization, consistent with the 120° noncollinear spin structure. The ability to tune both the crystal phase (hexagonal vs tetragonal) and orientation through composition and thermal treatment provides a platform for exploring the intrinsic magnetic and topological properties of M n 3 Ga , with promising implications for antiferromagnetic spintronic applications.