Bulk and thin films of magnetic shape memory Ni–Mn–Ga alloys deposited by multi-dipolar plasma-assisted sputtering

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds Vol. 465; no. 1; pp. 35 - 40
• Main Authors: Girard, G., Béchu, S., Caillault, N., Carbone, L., Ortega, L., Fruchart, D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 06-10-2008; Elsevier
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Domain effects, magnetization curves, and hysteresis; Engineering Sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Heusler type alloy; Magnetic properties and materials; Magnetic properties of monolayers and thin films; Magnetic properties of surface, thin films and multilayers; Magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMA); Magnetization curves, magnetization reversal, hysteresis, barkhausen and related effects; Multi-dipolar plasma-assisted sputtering; Physics; Plasma Physics; Plasmas; Magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMA); Multi-dipolar plasma-assisted sputtering; Heusler type alloy; Differential scanning calorimetry; Nickel alloys; Magnetization; Thermomagnetic effects; Microwave radiation; Operating mode; Gallium alloys; Thin films; Shape memory effects; Magnetic alloy; Shape memory alloy; Manganese alloys; Heusler alloys; Sputter deposition; Plasma deposition; Magnetic properties
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2007.11.087

Ni–Mn–Ga alloys of Heusler type, with potential magnetic shape memory properties, were synthesized as bulk materials. They were characterized both for their structural and magnetic properties at and above room temperature. Thin film deposits were realised by using a microwave-controlled multi-dipolar plasma-assisted sputtering technique. The properties of all resulting materials are discussed in terms of composition of the alloys owing to the method used to elaborate the materials.