Optical spectroscopy of phase separation in LaxMnO3

Optical, transport and magnetic properties of polycrystalline samples LaxMn O3 (0.7 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 1) are studied experi mentally. The optical evidence for metal-insulator transition below Curie t emperature is found in all samples, including that with semiconductor-like behavior of DC resistivity in the entire temperature range. Results indicat e that there are metallic droplets in insulating matrix. Optical method is suggested for determining the metal-insulator transition in lanthanum manga nites. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.