Strain-driven charge-ordered state in La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 - art. no. 184424

We present evidence for the coexistence of ferromagnetic metallic and charg e-ordered insulating phases in strained thin films of La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 at l ow temperatures. Such a phase-separated stale is confirmed using low-temper ature magnetic force microscopy and magnetotransport measurements. This pha se separated state is not observed in the bulk form of this compound and is caused by the structural inhomogeneities due to the nonuniform distributio n of strain in the film. The strain weakens the low-temperature ferromagnet ic metallic state and a charge-ordered insulator is formed at the high stra in regions. The slow dynamics of the transport properties of the mixed phas e is illustrated by measurements of the long-time scale relaxation of the e lectrical resistance.