New uniaxial pressure cell used in a study of magnetization of the Heusler Ni2MnSn-based alloy.

A versatile type of non-magnetic uniaxial pressure cell has been designed for magnetic measurements in SQUID magnetometer. An advanced technology of machining of miniature parts of the cell was used to make new type of an internal squeezer module, where a sample can be compressed by force up to 3 kN in direction perpendicular to external magnetic field. A correct operation of the cell was tested by study of magnetic behaviour of the Heusler off-stoichiometric Ni₂MnSn alloy under uniaxial compression. An unexpected significant difference between reversible effects of uniaxial compression on magnetization of the austenite and martensite phases of the alloy is discussed. The uniaxial compression effects are compared with the effects of hydrostatic pressure on a coupling between magnetization and structural transformation of the alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]