Large negative magnetoresistance in a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy : Ni_{2+x}Mn_{1-x}Ga

5% negative magnetoresistance (MR) at room temperature has been observed in bulk Ni_{2+x}Mn_{1-x}Ga. This indicates the possibility of using Ni_{2+x}Mn_{1-x}Ga as magnetic sensors. We have measured MR in the ferromagnetic state for different compositions (x=0-0.2) in the austenitic, pre-martensitic and martensitic phases. MR is found to increase with x. While MR for x=0 varies almost linearly in the austenitic and pre-martensitic phases, in the martensitic phase it shows a cusp-like shape. This has been explained by the changes in twin and domain structures in the martensitic phase. In the austenitic phase, which does not have twin structure, MR agrees with theory based on s-d scattering model.Comment: 3 pages, 3 figures, Appl. Phys. Lett 86, 202508 (2005

Self-Gravitational Corrections to the Cardy-Verlinde Formula and the FRW Brane Cosmology in SdS_5 Bulk

The semiclassical corrections to the Cardy-Verlinde entropy of a five-dimensional Schwarzschild de-Sitter black hole (SdS_5) are explicitly evaluated. These corrections are considered within the context of KKW analysis and arise as a result of the self-gravitation effect. In addition, a four-dimensional spacelike brane is considered as the boundary of the SdS_5 bulk background. It is already known that the induced geometry of the brane is exactly given by that of a radiation-dominated FRW universe. By exploiting the CFT/FRW-cosmology relation, we derive the self-gravitational corrections to the first Friedmann-like equation which is the equation of the brane motion. The additional term that arises due to the semiclassical analysis can be viewed as stiff matter where the self-gravitational corrections act as the source for it. This result is contrary to standard analysis that regards the charge of SdS_5 bulk black hole as the source for stiff matter. Furthermore, we rewrite the Friedmann-like equation in a such way that it represents the conservation equation of energy of a point particle moving in a one-dimensional effective potential. The self-gravitational corrections to the effective potential and, consequently, to the point particle's motion are obtained. A short analysis on the asymptotic behavior of the 4-dimensional brane is presented.Comment: 16 pages, LaTeX; (v2) references added and correcte

Power loss in open cavity diodes and a modified Child Langmuir Law

Diodes used in most high power devices are inherently open. It is shown that under such circumstances, there is a loss of electromagnetic radiation leading to a lower critical current as compared to closed diodes. The power loss can be incorporated in the standard Child-Langmuir framework by introducing an effective potential. The modified Child-Langmuir law can be used to predict the maximum power loss for a given plate separation and potential difference as well as the maximum transmitted current for this power loss. The effectiveness of the theory is tested numerically.Comment: revtex4, 11 figure

Influence of Ni doping on the electronic structure of Ni_2MnGa

The modifications in the electronic structure of Ni_{2+x}Mn_{1-x}Ga by Ni doping have been studied using full potential linearized augmented plane wave method and ultra-violet photoemission spectroscopy. Ni 3d related electron states appear due to formation of Ni clusters. We show the possibility of changing the minority-spin DOS with Ni doping, while the majority-spin DOS remains almost unchanged. The total magnetic moment decreases with excess Ni. The total energy calculations corroborate the experimentally reported changes in the Curie temperature and the martensitic transition temperature with x.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, accepted in Phys. Rev.

Collapse of the charge ordering gap of Nd_{0.5}Sr_{0.5}MnO_{3} in an applied magnetic field

We report results of tunneling studies on the charge ordering compound Nd_{0.5}Sr_{0.5}MnO_{3} in a magnetic field up to 6T and for temperature down to 25K.We show that a gap (2\Delta_{CO} \approx 0.5eV opens up in the density of state (DOS) at the Fermilevel (E_F) on charge ordering (T_{CO}=150K) which collapses in an applied magnetic field when the charge ordered state melts. There is a clear correspondence between the behavior of the resistivity and the gap formation and its collapse in an applied magnetic field. We conclude that a gap in the DOS at E_F is necessary for the stability of the charge ordered state.Comment: 4 pages REVTeX, 5 postscript figures included, submitted to Phys. Rev. Let