Exchange bias behavior in Ni–Mn–Sb Heusler alloys

Abstract

The authors report the observation of exchange bias in bulk polycrystalline Ni50 Mn25+x Sb25-x Heusler alloys. Shifts in hysteresis loops of up to 248 Oe were observed in the 5 T field cooled samples. The observed exchange bias behavior in Ni50 Mn25+x Sb25-x is attributed to the coexistence of antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic exchange interactions in the system. Such behavior is an addition to the multifunctional properties of the Ni50 Mn25+x Sb25-x Heusler alloy system. © 2007 American Institute of Physics.