Evolution of the intrinsic electronic phase separation in La0.6Er0.1Sr0.3MnO3 perovskite

Magnetic and electronic transport properties of perovskite manganite La0.6Er0.1Sr0.3MnO3 have been thoroughly examined through the measurements of magnetization, electron paramagnetic resonance(EPR), and resistivity. It was found that the substitution of Er3+ for La3+ ions introduced the chemical disorder and additional strain in this sample. An extra resonance signal occurred in EPR spectra at high temperatures well above T-C gives a strong evidence of electronic phase separation(EPS). The analysis of resistivity enable us to identify the polaronic transport mechanism in the paramagnetic region. At low temperature, a new ferromagnetic interaction generates in the microdomains of Er3+-disorder causing the second increase of magnetization. However, the new ferromagnetic interaction does not improve but decreases electronic transport due to the enhancement of interface resistance among neighboring domains. In view of a really wide temperature region for the EPS existence, this sample provides an ideal platform to uncover the evolution law of different magnetic structures in perovskite manganites.