Rigid band model for prediction of magnetostriction of iron-gallium alloys

Using the highly precise full potential linearized augmented plane wave method, we determined atomic structure and the magnetostriction of Fe(100-x)Ga(x) with x < 19%. It is demonstrated that the extraordinary enhancement of magnetostrictive coefficient of Fe(100-x)Ga(x) at low concentration stems from intrinsic electronic origins. Moreover, we recognized the potential of using a rigid band model for the prediction of magnetostriction of intermetallic alloys, through studies of ternary alloys with Zn substitution into Fe(87.5)Ga(12.5).