Direct observation of electron doping in La0.7Ce0.3MnO3 using x-ray absorption spectroscopy

TL;DR

This study provides direct spectroscopic evidence confirming that La0.7Ce0.3MnO3 is an electron-doped manganite with mixed Mn valence states, advancing understanding of its magnetic and electronic properties.

Contribution

First direct observation of electron doping in La0.7Ce0.3MnO3 using X-ray absorption spectroscopy, clarifying its valence states and doping mechanism.

Findings

Cerium is in the Ce(IV) state

Manganese exists as Mn2+ and Mn3+

Confirms electron doping in La0.7Ce0.3MnO3

Abstract

We report on a X-ray absorption spectroscopic (XAS) study on a thin film of La0.7Ce0.3MnO3, a manganite which was previously only speculated to be an electron doped system. The measurements clearly show that the cerium is in the Ce(IV) valence state and that the manganese is present in a mixture of Mn2+ and Mn3+ valence states. These data unambiguously demonstrate that La0.7Ce0.3MnO3 is an electron doped colossal magnetoresistive manganite, a finding that may open up new opportunities both for device applications as well as for further basic research towards a better modelling of the colossal magnetoresistance phenomenon in these materials.