Static ferromagnetic modulation in La1−xCaxMnO3:assembly of interacting magnetic polarons

Abstract Single crystals of Ca-substituted Mn perovskites, La 1− x Ca x MnO 3 (0⩽ x ⩽0.1), have been studied by “elastic” neutron scattering close to the direct beam (ESANS) and the Bragg peaks, and by small angle neutron scattering (SANS). At low temperatures, all types of experiments reveal a broad modulation centered at the same q m whatever the q direction. This scattering pattern is typical of a liquid-like distribution of magnetic clusters with a repulsive interaction, leading to a picture of hole-rich regions within an hole-poor medium.