A variable pole magnet.

The off-stoichiometric antiferromagnetic Heusler alloy FeMnGa decomposes and forms ferromagnetic FeMnGa precipitates embedded in an antiferromagnetic FeMn matrix when temper-annealed at temperatures T  >  550 K. The ferromagnetism of the precipitates is soft so that the magnetization direction of the non-interacting precipitates in a macroscopic material can be manipulated by locally applied fields so that even two similar poles can form at the ends of a centimeter-long bar. The cause for the soft magnetic behavior is due to the weak AF exchange anisotropy of the cubic FeMn matrix and the precipitate.

Inverse magnetocaloric effect in ferromagnetic Ni-Mn-Sn alloys.

The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in paramagnetic materials has been widely used for attaining very low temperatures by applying a magnetic field isothermally and removing it adiabatically. The effect can also be exploited for room-temperature refrigeration by using giant MCE materials. Here we report on an inverse situation in Ni-Mn-Sn alloys, whereby applying a magnetic field adiabatically, rather than removing it, causes the sample to cool.