Surface-induced phase separation in manganites: A microscopic origin for powder magnetoresistance

Through the analysis of the magnetic properties and of the nuclear magnetic resonance response of La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 ceramics with different grain sizes, we have found that poorly conducting regions, some ferromagnetic and some weakly magnetic, are located at the surface of the grains. We state that these regions constitute the tunnel barrier responsible for the low-field magnetoresistance usually observed in powders of half-metallic oxides. In addition, the spin disorder accompanying the coexistence of phases with different magnetoelectronic character could contribute to the large high-field magnetoresistance also typical of such ceramic samples. From a more general perspective, these findings can be of relevance to understand the microscopic origin of phase separation in manganites. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.