Anomalous Nernst effect in La0.88MnO3

Nernst coefficient measurements of La0.88MnO3 (T-c similar to 265 K) are re ported as a function of temperature (100-320 K) in moderate applied magneti c fields (0.38<H<1.8 cr). For T>T-c, our data can be accounted for by the t ransport behavior of small polarons. We find the semiconductor to metal tra nsition is dominated by an increase in the hole density. For T less than or equal to T-c, an anomalous suppression of the Nernst coefficient was obser ved when the field increased from 0.38 to 1.8 T. The giant magnetoresistanc e effect is attributed to a field increased mobility of the charge carriers . [S0163-1829(99)50214-2].