Crystal structure of the martensite phase in the ferromagnetic shape memory compound Ni2MnGa studied by electron diffraction

The electron diffraction patterns of Ni2MnGa show six satellites at ±qM, ±2qM and ±3qM, with qM = 0.427(5) g22¯0 between fundamental reflections in the martensite phase, and two satellites at ±qI, with qI = 0.340(5) g22¯0 in the intermediate phase, meaning that these phases have incommensurate structures. In addition, the diffraction pattern of the intermediate phase continuously changes to that of the parent phase via the X-phase, suggesting the existence of a multicritical phenomenon.