Magnetic field dependence of weak localization in La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 thin films with nonmagnetic nano-scaled precipitates

We explore the low-temperature magnetotransport properties of La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 (LSMO) epitaxial films with nano-scaled non-magnetic ZrO2 precpitates and analyze the low-temperature resistance anomalies within the frame of precipitate-induced Quantum Interference Effects (QIE) and anisotropic magnetoresistance. Two competing mechanisms triggered by the ZrO2 nanoparticles, weak localization and magnetic domain pattern modifications, are proposed to govern the observed anomalous magnetic response at low and high magnetic fields, respectively. The occurrence of these anomalies in LSMO with non-magnetic ZrO2 clusters shines new light at defect-induced magnetoelastic coupling.