Mossbauer and magnetization studies of La0.5Ca0.5Mn1-xFexO3

Fe-57 Mossbauer measurements and magnetization data were used to study both microscopically and macroscopically the first-order antiferromagnet-to-fer romagnet (AFM-FM) transition observed in La0.5Ca0.5MnO3. The zero field coo led and field cooled Mossbauer spectra for H greater than or equal to 40 kO e are extremely history dependent and can be fitted by predominantly AFM an d FM components, respectively, in agreement with the magnetization data. Ou r data are consistent with the concept of a first-order, field-induced tran sition. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(99)19808-6].