Progress in bulk MgCu₂-type rare-earth iron magnetostrictive compounds

Studies of bulk MgCu₂-type rare-earth iron compounds with Laves phase are reviewed. The relationship between magnetostriction and structural distortion and the consequent crystallographic method for measuring magnetostriction are introduced at first. Then we review recent progress in understanding bulk magnetostrictive Laves phase materials, especially the magnetostriction and the minimization of the anisotropy of the light rare-earth Pr-and Sm-based compounds. Finally, a summary and outlook for this kind of compounds are presented.