Anisotropic phonon conduction and lattice distortions in colossal-magnetoresistance bilayer manganite (La1-zPrz)1.2Sr1.8Mn2O7 (z=0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6) single crystals -: art. no. 104433

We have undertaken a systematic study of thermal conductivity as a function of temperature and magnetic field of single crystals of the compound (La1-zPrz)(1.2)Sr1.8Mn2O7 for z(Pr) = 0.2,0.4, and 0.6. The lattice distortion due to Pr substitution and anisotropic thermal conductivity in bilayer manganites are discussed on the basis of different relaxation models of local lattice distortions in metal and insulating states proposed by Medarde The giant magnetothermal effect is scaled as a function of magnetization and discussed on the basis of a systematic variation of the occupation of the e(g)-electron orbital states due to Pr substitution.