Magnetization easy-axis in martensitic Heusler alloys estimated by strain measurements under magnetic-field

TL;DR

This study investigates how magnetic fields influence strain and magnetization orientation in Ni-Mn-based Heusler alloys during martensitic transformation, providing insights into their magnetic anisotropy.

Contribution

It introduces a strain measurement method under magnetic fields to estimate the magnetization easy-axis in martensitic Heusler alloys, revealing magnetic anisotropy details.

Findings

Magnetic fields affect strain during martensitic transformation.

The easy-axis of magnetization in martensitic state is identified.

Magnetic-field influence on nucleation of ferromagnetic martensite is characterized.

Abstract

We study the temperature dependence of strain under constant magnetic-fields in Ni-Mn based ferromagnetic Heusler alloys in the form Ni-Mn-$X$ ($X$: Ga, In, Sn, Sb) which undergo a martensitic transformation. We discuss the influence of the applied magnetic-field on the nucleation of ferromagnetic martensite and extract information on the easy-axis of magnetization in the martensitic state.