Magnetic Domain Patterns in Cr-Modified Mn2Sb

Abstract

The relationship between microstructure and the magnetic properties of Cr‐modified Mn₂Sb has been studied using the Bitter pattern technique. The solid solution formed when Cr is substituted for Mn in Mn₂Sb exhibits a ferrimagnetic to antiferromagnetic first order phase transformation which occurs at about room temperature for 5 at.% Cr. In the transformation temperature range, we have followed the initiation and growth of the ferrimagnetic phase by observing the associated domain patterns. In addition, the Bitter pattern technique has been used to examine precipitates with magnetic properties differing from the matrix.