Role of Ni-Mn hybridization in magnetism of martensitic state of Ni-Mn-In shape memory alloys

TL;DR

This study uses EXAFS to explore how Ni-Mn hybridization influences the magnetic properties of Ni-Mn-In shape memory alloys during the martensitic transition, revealing a strong link between structure and magnetism.

Contribution

It provides direct experimental evidence of Ni 3d - Mn 3d hybridization's role in the magnetism of the martensitic phase in these alloys.

Findings

Structural and magnetic degrees of freedom are closely related.

Ni 3d - Mn 3d hybridization influences martensitic magnetism.

Bond distances vary with temperature, affecting magnetic behavior.

Abstract

Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) studies on Ni$_{50}$Mn$_{25+x}$In$_{25-x}$ have been carried out at Ni and Mn K edge as a function of temperature. Thermal evolution of nearest neighbor Ni-Mn and Mn-Mn bond distances in the martensitic phase give a clear evidence of a close relation between structural and magnetic degrees of freedom in these alloys. In particular, the study highlights the role of Ni 3d - Mn 3d hybridization in the magnetism of martensitic phase of these alloys.