Identification of novel compositions of ferromagnetic shape-memory alloys using composition spreads

Nat Mater. 2003 Mar;2(3):180-4. doi: 10.1038/nmat829.

Abstract

Exploration of new ferroic (ferroelectric, ferromagnetic or ferroelastic) materials continues to be a central theme in condensed matter physics and to drive advances in key areas of technology. Here, using thin-film composition spreads, we have mapped the functional phase diagram of the Ni-Mn-Ga system whose Heusler composition Ni(2)MnGa is a well known ferromagnetic shape-memory alloy. A characterization technique that allows detection of martensitic transitions by visual inspection was combined with quantitative magnetization mapping using scanning SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) microscopy. We find that a large, previously unexplored region outside the Heusler composition contains reversible martensites that are also ferromagnetic. A clear relationship between magnetization and the martensitic transition temperature is observed, revealing a strong thermodynamical coupling between magnetism and martensitic instability across a large fraction of the phase diagram.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alloys / analysis*
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Dental Alloys / chemistry
  • Gallium / chemistry
  • Iron / chemistry*
  • Magnetics*
  • Manganese / chemistry
  • Nickel / chemistry
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Alloys
  • Dental Alloys
  • Martensite
  • Manganese
  • Nickel
  • Gallium
  • Iron