Description of the helimagnetic ordering in Mn1-xNixAs

Magnetic refrigeration based on the magnetocaloric effect has become a promising competitive technology to the conventional vapor-compression technique, a strong contributor to climate change. Commercial devices incorporating magnetic refrigeration units are raising a growing interest due to their high-energy efficiency and being environment-friendly. In this context, the rare-earth free MM’ intermetallic system (where M = Mn, Cr, Fe, Ni and M’ – semimetal As, Sb, P), such as MnAs has shown promising results for refrigeration applications at room temperature. However, the underlying mechanisms of moment formation and magnetic phase transitions are not yet fully understood. In this proposal, we aim to establish a helimagnetic structure in Mn1-xNixAs. The outcome of the proposal will help us to gain sufficient knowledge of magnetic ordering and magneto-structural phase transition.