Epitaxial Growth of Ni-Mn-Ga on Al2O3(112¯0) Single-Crystal Substrates by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Magnetic shape memory alloys have attracted considerable attention due to their multifunctional properties. Among these materials, Ni-Mn-Ga alloys are distinguished by their ability to achieve up to 10% strain when exposed to a magnetic field, a characteristic predominantly observed in single-crystal samples. Consequently, it is essential to develop nanomaterials with a crystal structure closely resembling that of a single crystal. In this study, an epitaxial Ni-Mn-Ga thin film was fabricated using Pulsed Laser Deposition on an Al2O3 (112¯0) single-crystal substrate. The crystal structure was characterised through X-ray diffraction methodologies, such as symmetrical 2θ−ω scans, pole figures, and reciprocal space maps. The results indicated that the sample was mainly in a slightly distorted cubic austenite phase, and some incipient martensite phase also appeared. A detailed microstructural analysis, performed by transmission electron microscopy, confirmed that certain regions of the sample exhibited an incipient transformation to the martensite phase. Regions closer to the substrate retained the austenite phase, suggesting that the constraint imposed by the substrate inhibits the phase transition. These results indicate that it is possible to grow high crystalline quality thin films of Ni-Mn-Ga by Pulsed Laser Deposition.
Source: Surfaces
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,930
Awards: ULtra ThIn MAgneto Thermal sEnsor-Ing, G1295288670, G1768411639, Nanoscience Foundries and Fine Analysis - Europe|PILOT, G2270470340, G2468767712, G2818544882, G2853003441, G2983166143, G307435031, G3838835180, G3941633798, G4174514697, G4692034402, G5192926927, G5277375282, G5525946693, G603000066, G6053472423, G6690133144, G6929585267, G7422906934, G7938547377, G8911334303
OpenAlex ID: W4410899334