Direct optical observation of magnetic domains in Ni-Mn-Ga martensite

This letter reports the direct optical observation, i.e., without polarization, of the magnetic domain structure explained by a large surface relief in Ni-Mn-Ga martensite. The authors suggest that the relief is due to the different straining of the surface and the bulk caused by the internal stresses associated with the magnetic shape memory effect. As a result of the relief the projection of the (011) twin traces upon the (010) plane creates the observed zigzag pattern. The surface tilt angle calculated from the zigzag pattern is similar to 3 degrees. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.