Neutron scattering studies of La1-xSrxMnO3 colossal magnetoresistive perovskites

Abstract

From a combination of neutron powder diffraction, polarization analysis and small-angle neutron scattering together with magnetic measurements, diffuse scattering, spin dynamics and lattice and magnetic correlation results are presented for the La1-xSrxMnO3 (x = 0.125 and 0.175) compounds. Diffuse scattering at low q was initially observed in the powder diffraction patterns for temperatures around the Curie point, T C, but was most effectively studied with small-angle neutron scattering. The scattering peak in the forward direction showed a Lorentzian-squared-type q dependence, indicative of the formation of random spin clusters. In the La0.875Sr0.125MnO3 sample the forward scattering peak h..