Short-range ordering in the Ni-Mn-Si based Laves phase Mn(Ni$_{0.6}$Si$_{0.4})_2$

We present the structural ordering and the associated physical behavior of a Ni-Mn-Si Laves phase, Mn(Ni$_{0.6}$Si$_{0.4})_2$. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy analysis were performed to resolve a distinct atomic ordering of the system. The study determined the origin of the short-range ordering to be the unique arrangement between Ni and Si atoms. The study also presents the atomic resolution mapping of the Si atoms which has never been reported by any previous studies. With further electrical conductivity measurement, we find one of the consequences of the unique ordering reflected in a semiconducting like temperature dependence of the compound.