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 Mn x Ga and Mn x Al 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 Mn x Ga and Mn x Al with strong perpendicular anisotropy. Then, in the second and third parts, we focus on the recent progress of perpendicularly magnetized Mn x Ga and Mn x Al, 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.