Inhomogeneous magnetism in La-doped CaMnO3. (I) Nanometric-scale spin clusters and long-range spin canting

TL;DR

This study investigates how La doping in CaMnO3 creates nanometric magnetic clusters and induces a long-range spin-canted state, revealing complex magnetic phase coexistence and interactions.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the coexistence of magnetic droplets and long-range spin canting in La-doped CaMnO3, highlighting the relationship between nanoscale clusters and magnetic order.

Findings

Nanometric magnetic droplets (~10 Å) proportional to doping level.

Long-range ferromagnetic component observed for 0.05 < x < 0.14.

G-AFM + FM spin-canted state identified.

Abstract

Neutron measurements on Ca{1-x}La{x}MnO3 (0.00 <= x <= 0.20) reveal the development of a liquid-like spatial distribution of magnetic droplets of average size ~10 Angstroms, the concentration of which is proportional to x (one cluster per ~60 doped electrons). In addition, a long-range ordered ferromagnetic component is observed for ~0.05 < x < ~0.14. This component is perpendicularly coupled to the simple G-type antiferromagnetic (G-AFM) structure of the undoped compound, which is a signature of a G-AFM + FM spin-canted state. The possible relationship between cluster formation and the stabilization of a long-range spin-canting for intermediate doping is discussed.