Direct Observation of Lattice Polaron Formation in the Local Structure of La{sub {bold 1{minus}}{ital x}}Ca{sub {ital x}}MnO{sub {bold 3}}

Journal Article · Mon Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1996 · Physical Review Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.77.715· OSTI ID:286756

Billinge, S J; DiFrancesco, R G; Kwei, G H; Neumeier, J J; Thompson, J D ^[1]

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1. Department of Physics and Astronomy and Center for Fundamental Materials Research, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1116 (United States)

The local atomic structure of La{sub 1{minus}{ital x}}Ca{sub {ital x}}MnO{sub 3} ({ital x}=0.12, 0.21, and 0.25) has been studied using pair-distribution-function analysis of neutron powder-diffraction data. A change is seen in the local structure which can be correlated with the metal-insulator transition in the {ital x}=0.21 and 0.25 samples. This local structural change is modeled as an isotropic collapse of oxygen towards Mn of magnitude {delta}=0.12 A occurring on one in four Mn sites. We argue that this is the direct observation of lattice polaron formation, associated with the metal-insulator transition in these materials. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}

• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38; W-7405-ENG-36; W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 286756
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 77; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

66 PHYSICS
CALCIUM OXIDES
DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS
EXCHANGE INTERACTIONS
FERROMAGNETIC MATERIALS
LANTHANUM OXIDES
MANGANESE OXIDES
METAL-INSULATOR TRANSFORMATIONS
MICROSTRUCTURE
NEUTRON DIFFRACTION
POLARONS