Symmetry of the charge-ordered phases in Pr_0.5Ca_0.5MnO₃

Abstract

The crystallographic symmetry of the charge-ordered Pr_0.5Ca_0.5MnO₃ manganite is studied at ∼98 K using convergent beam electron diffraction technique. These studies have revealed appearance of two different type of charge-ordered phases in different domains of the same grain. These correspond to be monoclinic and triclinic phases. These studies reveal that the symmetry of the charge-ordered phase is highly sensitive to the local strain conditions.

Keywords:

• crystal symmetry
• electron diffraction
• phase separation

PACS number(s):

• 75.47.LX
• 61.50.KS
• 61.50.AH