Evolution with composition of the d-Band density of states at the fermi level in highly spin polarized co1-xFexS2

Highly spin polarized (SP) and half-metallic ferromagnetic systems are of considerable current interest and of potential importance for spintronic applications. Recent work has demonstrated that Co1-xFexS2 is a highly polarized ferromagnet (FM) where the spin polarization can be tuned by alloy composition. Using Co59 FM-NMR as a probe, we have measured the low-temperature spin relaxation in this system in magnetic fields from 0 to 1.0T for 0≤x≤0.3. The Co59 spin-lattice relaxation rates follow a linear T dependence. Analysis of the data, using expressions for a FM system, permits information to be obtained on the d-band density of states at the Fermi level. The results are compared with independent density of states values inferred from electronic specific heat measurements and band structure calculations. It is shown that FM-NMR can be an important method for investigating highly SP systems.