Liquidlike Spatial Distribution of Magnetic Droplets Revealed by Neutron Scattering inLa1−xCaxMnO3

Abstract

Elastic neutron scattering experiments, performed in semiconducting ${\mathrm{La}}_{1-x}{\mathrm{Ca}}_x{\mathrm{MnO}}_3$ single crystals $(x=0.05,0.08\mathrm{})$, reveal new features in the problem of electronic phase separation and metal insulator transition. Below $T_N$, the observation of a broad magnetic modulation in the $q$-dependent elastic scattering intensity, centered at nearly identical $q_m$ whatever the $q$ direction, can be explained by a liquidlike spatial distribution of similar magnetic droplets. A semiquantitative description of their magnetic state, diameter, and average distance can be done. Such a picture can explain the anomalous characteristics of the spin wave branches previously observed.