Magnetostriction and extraordinary exchange spring and exchange bias effects in Ni48Mn39Sn13 Heusler alloy

Abstract Experimental investigation of the Ni48Mn39Sn13 Heusler alloy at low temperature range revealed remarkable magnetovolume effects in vicinity of the martensite low temperature state of the alloy. Forced volume magnetostriction, Joulian-like magnetostriction, thermal expansion, and exchange spring and exchange bias effects have been studied including the high pressure effect on magnetization of the alloy. The observed value of forced volume magnetostriction of martensite phase of the alloy, dω/dH = (6.85 ± 0.05)*10−6 T−1 can be well compared with early presented pronounced decrease of magnetization under pressure. The Joulian magnetostriction at low temperature (with ΔL|| 0) confirms a competition between strengths of magneto-crystalline anisotropy and elastic energy in martensite of the alloy during a field induced changes of its twin structure. The exchange spring and exchange bias effects in martensite phase of the alloy, Hsp = 510 Oe and Heb = 200 Oe, are not accompanied by any volume change. Field and temperature dependence of magnetostriction is discussed in detail with respect to magnetic behavior of the alloy.