Resistivity memory effect in La(1-x)Sr(x)MnO(3)

TL;DR

This paper reports a resistivity memory effect in La(1-x)Sr(x)MnO(3), where magnetic field cycling induces a persistent change in resistivity, suggesting a magnetic field-induced phase transition and phase separation.

Contribution

It introduces the observation of a resistivity memory effect in La(1-x)Sr(x)MnO(3) related to magnetic field cycling and phase separation, a phenomenon not previously documented in this material.

Findings

Magnetic field cycling causes a significant decrease in resistivity.

The effect is observed only for 0.45 < x < 0.55.

Resistivity changes suggest a magnetic field-induced metal-insulator transition.

Abstract

During the study of magnetoresistivity in La(1-x)Ca(x)MnO(3) it was found that after cycling of the magnetic field, some kind of magnetic field memory effect was observed. For La0.5Ca0.5MnO3 after cycling of the magnetic field to 13T and back to zero, "frozen" magnetoresistivity decreases about 20 times comparing to zero field value, while for La(0.47)Ca(0.53)MnO(3) it is already about four orders of magnitude. This effect can be observed only for concentration region 0.45 < x < 0.55. In zero magnetic field, temperature dependence of resistivity ro(T) shows semiconducting-like behavior, while after magnetic field cycling it becomes metal-like. So it looks as we are dealing with magnetic field induced semiconductor (or dielectric) to metal transition. Such effect can be explained within phase-separation picture. In zero magnetic field material consists of antiferromagnetic matrix (insulating phase) and coexisting ferromagnetic, conducting phase. Magnetic field application causes ferromagnetic phase to form some kind of conducting channels which shunts semiconducting matrix phase. Such structure is preserved after reduction of magnetic field, leaving the material conducting.