Shape memory ferromagnets

In ferromagnetic alloys with shape memory large reversible strains can be obtained by rearranging the martensitic domain structure by a magnetic field. Magnetization through displacement of domain walls is possible in the presence of high magnetocrystalline anisotropy, when martensitic structure rearrangement is energetically favorable compared to the reorientation of magnetic moments. In ferromagnetic Heusler alloys Ni₂₊ₓMn₁₋ₓGa the Curie temperature exceeds the martensitic transformation temperature. The fact that these two temperatures are close to room temperature offers the possibility of magnetically controlling the shape and size of ferromagnets in the martensitic state. In Ni₂₊ₓMn₁₋ₓGa single crystals, a reversible strain of ~ 6% is obtained in fields of ~ 1 T.