Recent progress in perpendicularly magnetized Mn-based binary alloy films

In this article, we review the recent progress in growth, structural characterization, magnetic properties and related spintronic devices of tetragonal MnxGa and MnxAl thin films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. In the first part of this review, we present a brief introduction to the demands for perpendicularly magnetized materials in spintronics, magnetic recording and permanent magnets applications, and the most promising candidates of tetragonal MnxGa and MnxAl with strong perpendicular anisotropy. Then, in the second and third parts, we focus on the recent progress of perpendicularly magnetized MnxGa and MnxAl, respectively, including their lattice structures, bulk synthesis, epitaxial growth, structural chracterizations, magnetic and other spin-dependent properties, and spintronic devices like magnetic tunneling junctions, spin valves and spin injector into semiconductors. Finally, we give a summary and a perspective of these perpendicularly magnetized Mn-based binary alloy films for future applications.