Mn₃GaC inverse perovskite thin films by magnetron sputtering from elemental targets

We have deposited epitaxial thin films of the inverse perovskite Mn3GaC using magnetron sputtering from elemental targets. Two substrates were used, MgO (111) and (100), resulting in corresponding orientation of the Mn3GaC thin films. Both samples displayed magnetic properties consistent with an AFM to FM transition at ∼170 K and a Curie temperature around 265 K, evaluated with vibrating sample magnetometry (in-plane measurements). These two ground states are further supported by first principles calculations. Based on that the two orientations of Mn3GaC display very similar magnetic properties, it can be concluded that shape anisotropy dominates over the material's easy axis.