Bulk and thin films of magnetic shape memory Ni–Mn–Ga alloys deposited by multi-dipolar plasma-assisted sputtering

Ni–Mn–Ga alloys of Heusler type, with potential magnetic shape memory properties, were synthesized as bulk materials. They were characterized both for their structural and magnetic properties at and above room temperature. Thin film deposits were realised by using a microwave-controlled multi-dipolar plasma-assisted sputtering technique. The properties of all resulting materials are discussed in terms of composition of the alloys owing to the method used to elaborate the materials.