Magnetic properties of (Pr(Ca, Sr))MnO3 studied by nuclear magnetic resonance

Abstract

The valence state of Mn in magnetoresistive perovskites has been widely related to the level of alkaline metal substitution of the rare earth, by assuming that the Mn exists in 3+ or 4+ valence states. Measurements have been made on a series of samples in the system Pr1−(x+y)CaxSryMnO3. Mn55 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) zero field spin echo measurements on a single crystal with x=0.1 and y=0 show distinct resonances around 310 MHz (Mn4+) and 400 MHz (Mn3+) but also at 590 MHz (Mn2+). An increase in the Mn2+ resonance frequency in an applied field implies that the Mn2+ moment is antiferromagnetically coupled to the net magnetization. Spectra from powder samples are much broader. The resonance frequencies increase as the Pr content is reduced. For systems with x+y=0.4, there is little change in the NMR spectrum as the proportions of Ca and Sr are altered.