Effect of Fe doping on structure, magnetic and electrical properties La0.7Ca0.3Mn0.5Fe0.5O3 manganite

The crystal and magnetic structures of La0.7Ca0.3Mn0.5Fe0.5O3 compound have been studied by neutron powder diffraction in the temperature range of 10-300 К. The magnetization and electrical resistivity measurements have been also performed in the temperature range of 5-300 K in magnetic fields up to 1 T. These experimental results indicate a formation of a complex magnetic state in which the long-range antiferromagnetic G-type phase coexists with the short-range ferromagnetic clusters. The electrical conductivity of La0.7Ca0.3Mn0.5Fe0.5O3 demonstrates an anomalous temperature behavior suggesting a switching between different states. The origin of the unconventional magnetic state, the mechanisms of the electrical conductivity, and correlation between magnetic and transport properties in this manganite have been discussed.