Physical properties of single-crystalline fibers of the colossal-magnetoresistance manganite La0.7Ca0.3MnO3

TL;DR

This study reports the successful growth and characterization of high-quality single-crystalline fibers of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3, a colossal-magnetoresistance material, using laser heated pedestal growth, and confirms their structural and magnetic properties.

Contribution

First demonstration of high-quality single-crystalline fibers of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 grown by LHPG with detailed structural and magnetic characterization.

Findings

Fibers exhibit typical CMR behavior confirmed by resistivity and magnetization.

Structural analysis shows high crystalline quality with narrow rocking curves.

Composition verified by X-ray diffraction, SEM, and Rietveld analysis.

Abstract

We have grown high-quality single crystals of the colossal-magnetoresistance (CMR) material La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 by using the laser heated pedestal growth (LHPG) method. Samples were grown as fibers of different diameters, and with lengths of the order of centimeters. Their composition and structure were verified through X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microcopy with EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis) and by Rietveld analysis. The quality of the crystalline fibers was confirmed by Laue and EBSD (Electron Backscatter Diffraction) patterns. Rocking curves performed along the fiber axis revealed a half-height width of 0.073 degrees. The CMR behavior was confirmed by electrical resistivity and magnetization measurements as a function of temperature.