Magnetostrictive FeCo films (thickness 300 nm) have been produced by RF magnetron sputter deposition. The effects of the substrate, composition and thermal treatment on the structural and magnetic properties of the films have been determined. Structural analysis was performed using transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. The magnetic properties, including magnetostriction, were determined by the magneto-optical Kerr effect, magnetic force microscopy and strain-modulated ferromagnetic resonance. It is found that the magnetic softness of the films is critically dependent on the texture and strain state of the film. With suitable choices of substrate, composition and thermal treatment, these parameters can be controlled, producing magnetically soft films while maintaining a high magnetostriction. The differential response of the magnetic anisotropy to strain in these films is comparable to the best values achieved by more involved manufacturing processes, such as multilayering, showing excellent potential for their use in magnetic sensors and actuators.

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The influence of Cu doping on structural and magnetic properties of Ni50-xMn36Sn14-yCux, y (x=0, 1,2 and y=1 at. %) ribbons has been investigated. The crystalline structures of the alloys were resolute by X-ray diffraction (XRD). It is found that the addition of Cu for Ni stabilizes austenite phase, whereas, replacing small amount of Cu for Sn stabilizes modulated martensite phase. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements have proved the characteristic transformation temperatures. The transformation temperatures generally rise as increasing the Cu content. Therefore, the magneto structural transition, analysed by vibrating sample magnetometry, is tuned by appropriate Cu doping in the alloys. Likewise, both martensitic and austenitic states exhibit ferromagnetic behaviour.