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We report the theoretical prediction of a class of spintronic materials, namely, bipolar magnetic semiconductors (BMSs), also supported by our experimental data. BMSs possess a unique band structure with unequal band gaps for spin-up and spin-down channels and thus are useful for tunable spin-transport-based applications such as spin filters. The valence band and conduction band in BMSs approach the Fermi level through opposite spin channels and hence facilitate reversible spin polarization that is controllable via applied gate voltage. We report the quaternary Heusler alloy VNbRuAl to exactly possess the band structure of a BMS. A rigorous normal x-ray diffraction (XRD) fitting along with synchrotron XRD data confirms that this alloy crystallizes in the LiMgPdSn structure with partial disorder. Transport measurements show a two-channel semiconducting behavior and a quasilinear dependence of negative magnetoresistance, indicating the possible semiconducting nature. The thermoelectric power data not only confirm the semiconducting nature but also give a strong indication of the BMS nature. Interestingly, VNbRuAl also appears to show features of a fully compensated ferrimagnetic (FCF) behavior with vanishing magnetization and significantly high ordering temperature (). Theoretical simulations of the special quasirandom structure predict partial B2 disorder to be mainly responsible for the coexistent BMS and FCF-like behavior. This study opens up the possibility of finding another class of materials for antiferromagnetic spintronics, with great significance for both fundamental and applied fronts.

The magnetic state of low temperature martensite phase in Co-substituted Ni-Mn-Sn-based ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMAs) has been investigated, in view of numerous conflicting reports of occurrences of spin glass (SG), superparamagnetism (SPM) or long range anti-ferromagnetic (AF) ordering. Combination of DC magnetization, AC susceptibility and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) studies provide a clear evidence for AF order in martensitic phase of Ni45Co5Mn38Sn12 alloy and rule out SPM and SG orders. Identical studies on another alloy of close composition of Ni44Co6Mn40Sn10 point to presence of SG order in martensitic phase and absence of SPM behavior, contrary to earlier report. SANS results do show presence of nanometre-sized clusters but they are found to grow in size from 3 nm at 30 K to 11 nm at 300 K, and do not correlate with magnetism in these alloys.

The magnetic state of low temperature martensite phase in Co-substituted Ni-Mn-Sn-based ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMAs) has been investigated, in view of numerous conflicting reports of occurrences of spin glass (SG), superparamagnetism (SPM) or long range anti- ferromagnetic (AF) ordering. Combination of dc magnetization, ac susceptibility and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) studies provide a clear evidence for AF order in martensitic phase of Ni45Co5Mn38Sn12 alloy and rule out SPM and SG orders. Identical studies on another alloy of close composition of Ni44Co6Mn40Sn10 point to presence of SG order in martensitic phase and absence of SPM behavior, contrary to earlier report. SANS results do show presence of nanometre-sized clusters but they are found to grow in size from 3 nm at 30 K to 11 nm at 300 K, and do not correlate with magnetism in these alloys.

The magnetic state of low temperature martensite phase in Co-substituted Ni-Mn-Sn-based ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMAs) has been investigated, in view of numerous conflicting reports of occurrences of spin glass (SG), superparamagnetism (SPM) or long range anti- ferromagnetic (AF) ordering. Combination of dc magnetization, ac susceptibility and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) studies provide a clear evidence for AF order in martensitic phase of Ni45Co5Mn38Sn12 alloy and rule out SPM and SG orders. Identical studies on another alloy of close composition of Ni44Co6Mn40Sn10 point to presence of SG order in martensitic phase and absence of SPM behavior, contrary to earlier report. SANS results do show presence of nanometre-sized clusters but they are found to grow in size from 3 nm at 30 K to 11 nm at 300 K, and do not correlate with magnetism in these alloys.

The magnetic state of low temperature martensite phase in Co-substituted Ni-Mn-Sn-based ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMAs) has been investigated, in view of numerous conflicting reports of occurrences of spin glass (SG), superparamagnetism (SPM) or long range anti-ferromagnetic (AF) ordering. Combination of DC magnetization, AC susceptibility and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) studies provide a clear evidence for AF order in martensitic phase of Ni45Co5Mn38Sn12 alloy and rule out SPM and SG orders. Identical studies on another alloy of close composition of Ni44Co6Mn40Sn10 point to presence of SG order in martensitic phase and absence of SPM behavior, contrary to earlier report. SANS results do show presence of nanometre-sized clusters but they are found to grow in size from 3 nm at 30 K to 11 nm at 300 K, and do not correlate with magnetism in these alloys.

We report on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of HoCr0.75Fe0.25O3 compound around the Néel temperature (TN), which is due to Cr3+ ordering. Susceptability (χ) vs. temperature (T) graph of HoCr0.75Fe0.25O3 compound infer two transitions due to the ordering of Cr3+ moments (TN ~ 155 K) and Ho3+ moments (TNHo ~ 8 K). Magnetic entropy (–ΔSM) value of 1.14 J kg-1 K-1 around 157.5 K with a magnetic field (H) of 90 kOe is attributed to antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering of Cr3+ moments. A maximum value of adiabatic temperature (ΔTad) ~ 0.41 K around TN is obtained and is found to increases with applied magnetic field. Negative slope for H/M vs. M2 graph is evident for HoCr0.75Fe0.25O3 compound below TN, which indicates the first order phase transition. Quantified values of – ΔSM and ΔTad opens up the way to explore rare earth orthochromites for the MCE properties and refrigeration applications.