Magnetoresistance and magnetocaloric effect at a structural phase transition from a paramagnetic martensitic state to a paramagnetic austenitic state in Ni50Mn36.5In13.5 Heusler alloys

It is established, using magnetization measurements, that Ni50Mn36.5In13.5 is in a paramagnetic state (PS) above and below the martensitic transition temperature (T-M). Magnetoresistance (MR) and magnetic entropy changes (Delta S-M) in the vicinity of T-M were studied. MR and Delta S-M at T-M were found to be approximate to-8% and approximate to+24 J Kg(-1) K-1, respectively, at Delta H=5 T. Although MR and Delta S-M values were lower than compared to those found in other Heusler systems, the significantly smaller hysteresis observed in Ni50Mn36.5In13.5 makes this compound, and other such compounds that undergo a martensitic transition in a PS, promising for the study and applications of magnetocaloric magnetic materials.