Effect of co-existing crystal structures on magnetic properties of Ni_2Mn_(1+x)Sn_(1-x) magnetic shape memory alloy

Abstract

The temperature dependent crystal structure analysis in martensitic phase of Ni_2Mn_(1+x)Sn_(1-x) (x = 0.40 and 0.44) magnetic shape memory alloy is performed using X-ray diffraction. The martensitic phase consists of 4-Layered and 14-Layered orthorhombic structure. The phase fraction of 4-layered and 14-layered orthorhombic structure change with temperature. Interestingly, the magnetic property also changes with temperature and corresponds to structural change temperature. Thus, the exchange coupling constant between original Mn and substituted Mn is calculated, which shows that the 4-layered and 14-layered orthorhombic structures have different strength of antiferromagnetic coupling. The analysis explain the origin of spin glass behavior and unusual exchange bias effect in these systems under zero-field-cooling.