Strain control of superlattice implies weak charge-lattice coupling inLa0.5Ca0.5MnO3

We have recently argued that manganites do not possess stripes of charge order, implying that the electron-lattice coupling is weak [Loudon et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 097202 (2005)]. Here we independently argue the same conclusion based on transmission electron microscopy measurements of a nanopatterned epitaxial film of ${\mathrm{La}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{Ca}}_{0.5}\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. In strain relaxed regions, the superlattice period is modified by 2% to 3% with respect to the parent lattice, suggesting that the two are not strongly tied.