Papers by Author: Pedro Algarabel

Abstract: We review the composition dependence of the structural and magnetic properties of the Co-doped Ni–Mn–Ga Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloy around the Mn-rich composition Ni50Mn30Ga20. The presence of Co affects the critical temperatures and alters the exchange interactions of martensite and austenite to different extents; by varying the composition it is possible to tune the critical temperatures and to induce a “paramagnetic gap” between the magnetically ordered martensite and magnetic austenite, thus giving rise to a reverse magnetostructural transformation. The magnetic and structural properties display noticeable discontinuities across the martensitic transformation: remarkable values of the saturation magnetization jump at the transformation (DM), of the field dependence of the martensitic transformation temperature (dTM/dH), and of the crystalline volume change (DV/V) are reported, and are considerably enhanced by additional Indoping of the quaternary alloy. These properties give rise to a remarkable phenomenology which is of interest for multifunctional applications; magnetic superelasticity and high values of reversible strain are found.

Abstract: In this article, we review our recent research on Fe3O4 epitaxial thin films and Fe3O4/MgO/Fe epitaxial heterostructures. More specifically, we report on the magnetotransport properties of Fe3O4 epitaxial films in a wide range of film thicknesses and temperatures, focusing on the anomalous, planar and ordinary Hall effects. We also summarize our insight on the origin of the enhanced magnetic moment found in ultra-thin magnetite films (thickness t < 5 nm). Finally, our work on the growth, and structural and magnetic characterization of heteroepitaxial Fe3O4/MgO/Fe trilayers is presented.