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

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, and 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.