Crystal structure and magnetic properties of La2−x(Sr0.5Ca0.5)1+xMn2O7 (x=0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) Ruddlesden–Popper manganites

• Lanthanum based double layered manganites were prepared by doping with the same amounts of Sr and Ca.
• X-ray and neutron diffraction were performed and the crystal structure was refined using the Rietveld method.
• Different magnetic transitions were observed depending upon the doping concentration.
• Qualitative explanation for the various observed phenomena was given.

Double layer perovskite (Ruddlesden–Popper) manganites with the nominal composition of La2−x(Sr0.5Ca0.5)1+xMn2O7 (x=0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) were synthesized via a solid state reaction route. X-ray and neutron diffraction were performed at room temperature and the crystal structure was refined using the Rietveld method based on the space group, I4/mmm. The temperature variation of the susceptibility revealed a spin glass transition at 28 K for x=0.6, a charge ordering transition at 245 K and a Neel transition at 170 K for x=1.0.