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.