Field induced martensitic phase transition in nonstoichoimetric Ni45Mn44Sn11 Heusler alloy

Nonstoichiometric high-Mn content Mn45Ni44Sn11 ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMAs) were prepared by arc melting technique. First order transition near the martensitic transition (austenitic → martensitic) has been observed from magnetization, differential scanning calorimetry and resistivity measurements upon heating and cooling run. The austenitic phase was transformed into the martensitic phase, which means that these alloys have potential as FSMA applications. The shift of martensitic transition to the lower temperature with the magnetic field confirms the field induced martensitic transition. This signifies that the highly ordered austenitic phase can be arrested to the lower temperature with the application of magnetic field.