Rapid constructing magnetic phase diagrams by magneto-optical imaging of composition spread films

Abstract

In this paper we present a new method of the rapid construction of magnetic phase diagrams in a temperature-composition space, using magneto-optic imaging with an indicator film technique (MOIF). The method is applied for mapping the diagram for the La1–xCaxMnO3 colossal magneto-resistive oxide, using the spread films deposited on a SrTiO3 substrate. The constructed magnetic diagram is in a good agreement with data on uniform films and bulk crystals of this system. The MOIF study of transitions under cooling and heating has revealed the formation of a non-magnetic phase in the area of temperatures from 5 K to 57 K and compositions from x = 0 to x = 0.5.