Structure and charge ordering behavior of the colossal magnetoresistive manganite Nd_(0.5)Sr_(0.5)MnO_3

摘要

The structure and charge ordering (CO) behavior of the three-dimensional colossal magnetoresistive manganite Nd_(0.5)Sr_(0.5)MnO_3 have been studied by transmission electron microscopy. The electron diffraction analysis suggested its room temperature structure as orthorhombic, with a Pnma space group. By controlling the experimental temperature setting either above or below the CO transition temperature, it was observed that the CO grew through the propagation of the CO front. The twin boundaries were the barriers of the CO front movement. In heavily ion irradiated samples, it was observed that the CO front was pinned by the intracrystalline defects, forming a zigzag shape interface. Moreover, the electron beam was observed to influence the CO.