Magnetic and transport properties of the Ni_2-xMn_1+xGa alloys

Magnetization and transport measurements have been performed to study the martensitic and pre-martensitic transitions for a series of ferromagnetic Heusler Ni_2-xMn_1+xGa alloys. Both magnetization and resistivity measurements show a clear jump at the martensitic transition and a discontinuous slope change at the pre-martensitic transition. The characteristic temperatures correspond well with those derived from previous direct structural results from neutron scattering, electron microscopy and ultrasonic studies. The martensitic transition temperature decreases with increasing Mn concentration.