Metallic Nickel Silicides: Experiments and Theory for NiSi and First Principles Calculations for Other Phases

TL;DR

This paper combines experimental and theoretical studies to investigate the transport, magnetic, and electronic properties of NiSi and related nickel silicides, revealing their weak electron-phonon coupling and non-magnetic metallic behavior.

Contribution

It provides detailed experimental data and first principles calculations for NiSi and related phases, enhancing understanding of their electronic and magnetic properties.

Findings

Neutron scattering shows no magnetism in NiSi.

First principles calculations agree with experimental results.

NiSi exhibits weak electron-phonon coupling and behaves as a weakly correlated metal.

Abstract

We report detailed experimental investigation of the transport and magnetic properties of orthorhombic NiSi along with first principles studies of this phase and related nickel silicides. Neutron scattering shows no evidence for magnetism, in agreement with first principles calculations. Comparison of first principles results and experimental results from our measurements and literature show a weak electron phonon coupling. We discuss transport and other properties of NiSi and find behavior characteristic of a weak correlated metal far from magnetism. Trends among the nickel silicides as a function of nickel content are discussed.