Revival of metastable behavior in phase separated La0.5Ca0.5MnO3+δ

The LaxCa1−xMnO3+δ compositions close to charge ordering (x∼0.5) show a gradual relaxation from a metallic/ferromagnetic state to an insulating/antiferromagnetic state with thermal cycling. Here, we report on the magnetic relaxation in the metastable state and also the revival of the metastable state (in a relaxed sample) due to high temperature thermal treatment. We also show the changes in the magnetization and the thermoelectric power as the revived metastable state is cycled. We find that the changes in the thermoelectric power extend well into the region above the charge ordering temperatures. This suggests that the micro-structural changes accompanying the thermal cycling leave their imprint in the paramagnetic insulating state as well.