Determination of L2(1) vs. B2 phase content in Heusler alloys Ni2MnGa and Co2FeGe0.5Ga0.5 with x-ray diffraction
Abstract
Ni2MnGa and Co2FeGe0.5Ga0.5 are promising members of Heusler alloys because of their application potential. Ni2MnGa is a shape-memory alloy which can be used for micropumps [1] or actuators [2] and Co2FeGe0.5Ga0.5 has a potential in spintronics [3].
Important properties used for ap- plications are conected to the low-temperature L21 phase. The high-temperature B2 phase (assuming the formula X2YZ, the elements Y and Z are mixed together at their positions in unit cell) is for these purposes parasitic and we need to get rid of it.
The presence of B2 phase can be observed for example in as cast samples without further heat treatment.