Microdomain Structure of Cr-Doped Manganites: Nd1/2Ca1/2(Mn,Cr)O3

Crystal and magnetic structures of Cr-doped manganites, Nd 1/2 Ca 1/2 Mn 1- y Cr y O 3 ( y =0.00 and 0.03), have been investigated by synchrotron radiation (SR) x-ray powder diffraction as well as neutron powder diffraction measurements. A detailed analysis of the high-resolution x-ray profile has revealed that the Cr-doped compound exhibits broad extra reflections, suggesting the formation of microdomains below the charge-ordering temperature T CO . The origin of the microdomain structure is discussed in terms of the charge separation.