Abstrakt
We investigate theoretically the combined effect of phonons and magnons caused by finite temperatures on the electrical resistivity of nonstoichiometric half-Heusler NiMnSb alloy. The coherent potential approximation within the alloy analogy model is employed for an efficient treatment of chemical impurities, atomic displacements, and magnetic disorder.
Spin fluctuations of local Mn moments are described by two models: (i) uncompensated disordered local moment approach and (ii) filling of the moments. The calculated resistivity agrees with experimental data, the agreement is good up to 600 K.
We show that a strong magnetic disorder leads to a violation of the Matthiessen's rule for the resistivity. We also discuss the spin polarization of the electrical current which exceeds 90% at room temperature but it is dramatically reduced by the magnetic disorder for higher temperatures approaching the Curie point (T-C = 730 K).