Twinning Mlcrostructure and Charge Ordering in the Colossal Magnetoresistive Manganite Nd1/2Sr1/2MnO3

Abstract

Charge ordering (C.O.) in the colossal magnetoresistive (CMR) manganites gives rise to an insulating, high-resistance state. This charge ordered state can be melted into a low-resistance metallic-like state by the application of magnetic field. Thus, the potential to attain high values of magnetoresistance with the application of small magnetic fields may be aided by a better understanding of the charge-ordering phenomenon. This study focused on microstructural characterization in Nd1/2Sr1/2MnO3. In Nd1/2Sr1/2MnO3, the nominal valence of Mn is 3.5+. On cooling, charge can localize and lead to a charge ordering between Mn 3+ and Mn 4+. The ordering of charge results in a superlattice structure and a reduction in symmetry.Thin foil specimens were prepared from bulk samples by conventional thinning and ion milling (at LN2 temperature) methods. The TEM work was carried out in a Philips CM30 at 300 kV with a Gatan LN2 cold stage, and a JEM 4000EX with a resolution of 0.17 nm at 400 kV for HREM observation.