Multiple magnetic transitions, Griffiths-like phase, and magnetoresistance in La2CrMnO6

Abstract

DC and AC magnetic measurements indicate the presence of multiple magnetic transitions arising from the competing magnetic interaction between Cr and Mn in the perovskite La2CrMnO6. Ferromagnetic and spin glass transitions are observed in La2CrMnO6. The material also has a Griffith-like phase with the occurrence of ferromagnetic short range correlations above TC. The system ultimately turns into paramagnetic at the Griffiths temperature 180 K. A combination of variable range hopping, and the nearest neighbor small polaron hopping governs the conduction mechanism in the material. A negative magnetoresistance of 22% at 105 K is observed for the material at 90 kOe which increases to 29% near 110 K and reduces gradually to zero on further increase in the temperature.