Magnetic domain structure of epitaxial Ni-Mn-Ga films

For the magnetic shape memory effect, knowledge about the interaction between martensitic and magnetic microstructure is essential. We analyzed epitaxial Ni-Mn-Ga films by atomic and magnetic force microscopy to investigate the correlation between twinned martensite variants and magnetic band-like domains. The observed domain structure differs fundamentally from the staircase-like domain pattern of bulk material. These features can be explained by the finite film thickness and can be quantitatively described by adapting the band domain model of Kittel. (C) 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.