Magnetic field-induced martensitic transformation of Heusler-type NiMnGa system

Inoue, Kazuko*; Yamaguchi, Yasuo*; Ishii, Yoshinobu; Yamauchi, Hiroki; Shishido, Toetsu*

Materials Science Forum, 539-543, p.3267 - 3272, 2007/00

Magnetic field effect on a Heusler-type NiMnGa off-stoichiometric alloy having a martensitic transformation temperature around room temperature which is coincident with a Curie temperature has been investigated. The precess of martensitic transforation of a single crystal was investigated by neutron diffraction under the magnetic field up to 8 Tesla. It was found that the magnetic field, which is applied at a temperature near the transformation temperature, causes the martensitic transformation. The process of the transformation caused by the increase of magnetic field is quite similar to the process caused by the decrease of temperature.