Anelastic spectroscopy as a selective probe to reveal and characterize spurious phases in solid compounds

We show that it is possible, by anelastic spectroscopy measurements, to identify beyond the intrinsic limits of other techniques such as diffraction, resistivity, or extended x-ray absorption fine structure, the nature of spurious and minority phases possibly present in the experimental samples. We will stress how the high selectivity of this spectroscopy can be useful in studying classes of materials such as colossal magnetoresistance manganites or other transition metal oxides where the characterization of the specimens assumes a crucial role. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.