Metallic Nickel Silicides: Experiments and Theory for NiSi and First Principles Calculations for Other Phases

We report detailed experimental investigation of the transport and magnetic properties of orthorhombic NiSi along with first principles studies of this phase and related nickel silicides. Neutron scattering shows no evidence for magnetism, in agreement with first principles calculations. Comparison of first principles results and experimental results from our measurements and literature show a weak electron phonon coupling. We discuss transport and other properties of NiSi and find behavior characteristic of a weak correlated metal far from magnetism. Trends among the nickel silicides as a function of nickel content are discussed.