Magnetic properties and spin momentum densities of Ni excess Ni-Mn-Sn Heusler alloys

The role of excess Ni in Ni_2+xMn_1−xSn (x = 0.05, 0.1) Heusler alloys has been reported using temperature dependent magnetic Compton spectroscopy. The experimental Compton profiles from magnetic electrons have been analyzed to quantify the contribution of Mn 3d electrons, Ni sites and sp-electrons in building-up the total spin moments. The experimentally deduced spin momentum densities, total and element-specific spin moments are examined using theoretical investigations within the spin polarized relativistic Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker method. The build-up of spin moments has been explored in terms of total and projected density of states. Site-dependent Ni magnetic moment is also discussed. Heisenberg exchange coupling parameters are also computed to study the change in Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida type exchange interaction on increasing Ni concentration in the Ni-Mn-Sn system.