Ni-Mn-Ga shape memory nanoactuation

Journal Article · Mon Jan 27 00:00:00 EST 2014 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4863667· OSTI ID:22280522

Schmitt, M.; Krevet, B. ^[1]; Backen, A.; Schultz, L. ^[2]; Fähler, S. ^[2]

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1. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, IMT, P.O. Box 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe (Germany)
2. IFW Dresden, P.O. Box 270116, 01171 Dresden (Germany)

To probe finite size effects in ferromagnetic shape memory nanoactuators, double-beam structures with minimum dimensions down to 100 nm are designed, fabricated, and characterized in-situ in a scanning electron microscope with respect to their coupled thermo-elastic and electro-thermal properties. Electrical resistance and mechanical beam bending tests demonstrate a reversible thermal shape memory effect down to 100 nm. Electro-thermal actuation involves large temperature gradients along the nanobeam in the order of 100 K/μm. We discuss the influence of surface and twin boundary energies and explain why free-standing nanoactuators behave differently compared to constrained geometries like films and nanocrystalline shape memory alloys.

• OSTI ID: 22280522
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 104, Issue 4; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
BENDING
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CRYSTALS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
GALLIUM ALLOYS
MANGANESE ALLOYS
NANOSTRUCTURES
NICKEL ALLOYS
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
SHAPE MEMORY EFFECT
SURFACES
TEMPERATURE GRADIENTS
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
THIN FILMS