Abstract
We have refined the crystal structures of a single crystal from neutron diffraction data. The result at low temperature gives a superstructure that cannot be interpreted as charge ordering. The pattern of atom displacements suggests the trapping of electrons within pairs of Mn sites, involving both a local double exchange and a polaronic-like distortion. The two mechanisms act together to form vibronic localized electronic states: Zener polarons. We have confirmed this picture by showing how it elucidates the unconventional paramagnetic behavior of half-doped manganites.
- Received 20 April 2001
- Publisher error corrected 3 September 2002
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.097205
©2002 American Physical Society
Corrections
3 September 2002