Physical properties of single-crystalline fibers of the colossal-magnetoresistance manganite La0.7Ca0.3MnO3

We have grown high-quality single crystals of the colossal-magnetoresistance (CMR) material La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 by using the laser heated pedestal growth method. Samples were grown as fibers of different diameters, and with lengths of the order of centimeters. Their composition and structure were verified through x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microcopy with energy dispersive x-ray analysis and by Rietveld analysis. The quality of the crystalline fibers was confirmed by Laue and electron backscatter diffraction patterns. Rocking curves performed along the fiber axis revealed a half-height width of 0.073°. The CMR behavior was confirmed by electrical resistivity and magnetization measurements as a function of temperature.