Spintronic materials

Progress in spintronics has been achieved with novel device concepts and the subsequent development of optimized materials and heterostructures to implement them. The heterostructures typically combine magnetic and nonmagnetic elements, which enable the integration of non-volatile magnetic memories and sensors in electrical circuits. This chapter provides an overview of spintronic devices that have found industrial applications with a focus on the materials and heterostructures being used. It further discusses selected material families that can potentially enhance device performance and/or create new application opportunities, including transition metals, magnetic insulators, antiferromagnets, altermagnets, Heusler compounds and van der Waals materials.