Shape Memory Effect in Microsize Sample of Ni–Mn–Ga–Cu Heusler Alloy

The shape memory effect is demonstrated in a ferromagnetic microsample of the Ni50Mn18.5Ga25Cu6.5 Heusler alloy. The 23 × 1.28 × 4-μm microsample has been fabricated using the technology of a focused ion beam. The elastic deformation in the martensite phase is found to be higher than the shape memory effect based on the permanent strain due to twinning. The maximum value of the shape memory effect is 3.4%.