Crystal structure of the martensite phase in the ferromagnetic shape memory compound Ni2MnGa studied by electron diffraction

The electron diffraction patterns of Ni2MnGa show six satellites at +/- q(M), +/- 2q(M) and +/- 3q(M), with q(M) = 0.427(5) g(2 (2) over bar0), between fundamental reflections in the martensite phase, and two satellites at +/- q(1), with q(1) = 0.340(5) g(2 (2) over bar0) in the intermediate phase, meaning that these phases have incommensurate structures. In addition, the diffraction pattern of the intermediate phase continuously changes to that of the parent phase via the X-phase, suggesting the existence of a multicritical phenomenon. (C) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.