Magnetic phase transitions in the Pd2−xCuxMnIn system

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Abstract
The Heusler alloys have the L21 structure and occur at the compoistion X2MnZ. The majority, such as Cu2MnIn, are ferromagnetic with a moment of about 4 μB at the Mn sites but some, such as Pd2MnIn, are antiferromagnetic. The Pd2MnIn1−xSnx and Pd2MnIn1−ySby [1,2] series have magnetic structures that change from antiferromagnetic fcc type 2 to type 3A to ferromagnetism as the proportions of the Z site atoms In/Sn/Sb are varied. Recently two models have been proposed to explain the 3d exchange interactions in Heusler alloys. Stearns [3] suggests a model with three interactions and the X atoms playing a dominant role. Price [4] proposes a single interaction dependent only upon the average conduction electron concentration. Results are presented of magnetic and neutron diffraction measurements made on the new series Pd2−xCuxMnIn, in which the conduction electron concentration is varied via the X rather than the Z sites. The changes in magnetic structure observed are similar to those that occur in the series Pd2MnIn/Sn/Sb. The implications of the results are discussed.

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