Unusual magnetic and transport properties above the Curie temperature in La2/3Ca1/3MnO3

Measurements of susceptibility, electron paramagnetic resonance and resistivity for La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 reveal a common temperature range between ∼266 and ∼300 K, where unusual aspects of physical properties are observed. The experimental results are discussed from the Griffiths theory that predicts the formation of ferromagnetic clusters before the Curie temperature is reached. It is emphasized that this theory incorporating the double-exchange mechanism could provide a good physical basis for the understanding of unusual transport properties.