Evolution of charge and spin state of transition metals in the LaMn1-xCoxO3 perovskite series

Charge and spin state evolution of the transition metals in the LaMn(1-x)Co(x)O(3) perovskite series was studied by means of high resolution x-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy. The gradual charge transfer from Mn to Co sites was observed upon increasing Co doping. The high spin of the Mn(3+/4+) and Co(2+) ions is preserved in the entire solid solution. Co(3+) ions reveal low spin state at low doping, while the gradual increase of the average Co(3+) spin state is observed at higher cobalt concentrations. The results plausibly explain the observed magnetization anomalies. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.