Magnetocaloric properties of Ni 2Mn 1-xCu xGa

We present the magnetocaloric properties of the substituted Heusler alloy Ni2 Mn1-x Cux Ga, which shows a maximum magnetic entropy change of Δ SM ≈-64 JKg K=-532 mJ cm3 K at 308 K for a magnetic field change ΔH=5 T. The dependence of Δ SM on ΔH is approximately linear and does not reach saturation at 5 T. It is demonstrated that the temperature at which Δ SM occurs can be tuned through subtle variations in composition. © 2006 American Institute of Physics