Magnetocaloric effect in Ni Mn X (X Ga, In, Sn, Sb) Heusler alloys
A review is given of experimental and theoretical works concerning the investigation of magnetic and structural phase transitions and of the magnetocaloric effect in Ni Mn X (X Ga, In, Sn, Sb) Heusler alloys possessing unique properties, such as the existence of coupled magnetostructural and metamagneto structural phase transitions, giant magnetocaloric effect, shape memory effect in the ferromagnetic state, giant magnetodeformation and magnetoresistance, exchange anisotropy. A conclusion is made that the Heusler alloys, because of their unique properties, are promising for the application in various engineering devices, including technology of magnetic refrigeration.