Structural and magnetic transitions in cubic Mn3Ga

J Phys Condens Matter. 2014 Mar 26;26(12):126001. doi: 10.1088/0953-8984/26/12/126001. Epub 2014 Mar 4.

Abstract

The structural, magnetic and electron-transport properties of cubic Mn3Ga have been investigated. The alloys prepared by arc melting and melt-spinning show an antiferromagnetic spin order at room temperature but undergo coupled structural and magnetic phase transitions at 600 and 800 K. First-principles calculations show that the observed magnetic properties are consistent with that of a cubic Mn3Ga crystallizing in the disordered Cu3Au-type structure. The samples exhibit metallic electron transport with a resistance minimum near 30 K, followed by a logarithmic upturn below the minimum. The observed anomaly in the low-temperature resistivity has been discussed as a consequence of electron scattering at the low-lying excitations of the structurally disordered Mn3Ga lattice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Gallium / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Fields*
  • Manganese / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Phase Transition

Substances

  • Manganese
  • Gallium