Heterogeneous magnetism and kinetic arrest in antiperovskite Mn3−xNixGaC compounds with Ni2MnGa Heusler insertions

Mn-based antiperovskite compounds in the form ${\mathrm{Mn}}₃AX$, where $A$ is a main group element and $X$ is C or N, undergo magnetostructural transitions with which these materials acquire magnetocaloric, giant magnetoresistance, and spin-transport properties, which can be modified or tailored by manipulating the compositions of numerous compounds. This enables closer investigations and better understandings of the underlying principles governing these properties. ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{3\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ni}}_x\mathrm{GaC}$, which is a derivative of the prototype ${\mathrm{Mn}}₃\mathrm{GaC}$ antiperovskite, would normally be expected to form a cubic structure with a homogeneous composition. Contrary to this, we find that the addition of Ni leads to a heterogenous compound consisting of an antiperovskite part and a ${\mathrm{Ni}}₂\mathrm{MnGa}$ Heusler insertions. The system shows kinetic arrest features, which we study as a function of Ni composition using the techniques of x-ray diffraction, magnetization, and neutron diffraction under a magnetic field.