Ferromagnetism at room temperature in La0.8Ca0.2MnO3 thin films

Anomalously high metal–insulator transition temperature Tp and ferromagnetic transition temperature Tc have been observed in thin films of La0.8Ca0.2MnO3. Ferromagnetic resonance signals from microwave studies are observed at room temperature (well above Tc) suggesting the presence of multiple magnetic spin systems. The Tp and Tc values are higher than that of La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 which have the highest Tp and Tc according to the bulk phase diagram. These results suggest that properties well beyond those seen in the bulk phase diagram may be achievable in thin films of the manganites.