Neutron diffraction, magnetic and superconducting measurements on vanadium-manganese-gallium alloys
Abstract
Eleven alloys from the binary and ternary range (VMn)2Ga5 have been investigated using neutron powder diffraction methods supported by measurements of magnetic susceptibility and superconducting transition temperatures. A magnetic structure is present in alloys in the composition range around (Mn0.2V0.8)2Ga5 to Mn2Ga5. The magnetic moment found in the alloy Mn2Ga5 increases on the addition of vanadium to a maximum around the composition (Mn0.2V0.2)2Ga5. It then decreases and disappears around the composition (Mn0.2V0.8)2Ga5. Possible changes in the magnetic structure are suggested in order to account for this. There is some evidence of weak superconductivity in the alloy V2Ga5. This disappears on the addition of manganese.