Magnetic properties of Ni2+xMn1-xIn Heusler alloys: Theory and experiment

The magnetic properties of the cubic Heusler alloys with nominal compositions Ni2+xMn1-xIn have been investigated experimentally as well as theoretically using first principles electronic structure calculations. Magnetization measurements indicate that all the alloys considered in this work have ferromagnetic ground state. The Curie temperature and the saturation moment of the samples are found to decrease systematically with increasing Ni concentration. No indication of structural transition was evident from our experimental data recorded down to 5 K. Electronic structure calculation indicates that localized magnetic moments are predominantly contributed by the Mn atoms and the calculated magnetic moment as a function of excess Ni concentration agrees well with the experimental data.