First-principles calculation of the intersublattice exchange interactions and Curie temperatures of full Heusler alloys Ni2MnX (X=Ga, In, Sn, Sb)

Abstract

The interatomic exchange interactions and Curie temperatures in Ni-based full Heusler alloys Ni2MnX with X=Ga, In, Sn and Sb are studied within the framework of the density-functional theory. The calculation of the exchange parameters is based on the frozen-magnon approach. Despite closeness of the experimental Curie temperatures for all four systems their magnetism appeared to differ strongly. This difference involves both the Mn-Mn and Mn-Ni exchange interactions. The Curie temperatures, Tc, are calculated within the mean-field approximation by solving a matrix equation for a multi-sublattice system. Good agreement with experiment for all four systems is obtained. The role of different exchange interactions in the formation of Tc of the systems is discussed.

6 pages, 4 figures