The Structural and Magnetic ordering in $La{}_{0.5-x}Nd_{x}Ca_{0.5}MnO_{3}$ (0.1 \ensuremath{\le} x \ensuremath{\le} 0.5) Manganites

TL;DR

This study investigates how Nd doping affects the structural and magnetic properties of La0.5-xNdxCa0.5MnO3 manganites, revealing a coexistence of antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic phases influenced by A-site disorder.

Contribution

It provides detailed insights into the correlation between Nd doping, structural distortions, and magnetic phase coexistence in La0.5-xNdxCa0.5MnO3.

Findings

Samples are orthorhombic in Pnma space group.

CE-type antiferromagnetic order coexists with weak ferromagnetism at low temperatures.

A-site disorder influences the evolution of magnetic and structural phases.

Abstract

The crystal and magnetic structure of polycrystalline $La{}_{0.5-x}Nd{}_{x}Ca_{0.5}MnO{}_{3}$ (0.0 \ensuremath{\le} x \ensuremath{\le} 0.5) samples have been investigated using magnetization, resistivity, transmission electron microscope, and neutron diffraction techniques. The samples are isostructural and possess orthorhombic structure in \textit{Pnma} space group. On lowering of temperature, the samples exhibit CE - type antiferromagnetic structure coexisting with a weak ferromagnetic ordering. The charge and orbitally ordered antiferromagnetic phase is weakened by the growth of ferromagnetic phase. The evolution of structural distortions and magnetic structure at low temperature as a function of Nd doping exhibit a strong correlation with A - site disorder ($\sigma{}^{2}$).