Ferromagnetic ground state of the robust charge-ordered manganite Pr_0.5Ca_0.5MnO₃ obtained by minimal Al substitution

Abstract

We show that minimal disturbance to the robust charge-ordered Pr_0.5Ca_0.5MnO₃ by 2.5% Al substitution on the Mn site drives the system toward a ferromagnetic ground state. The history-dependent coexisting phases observed are explained as the outcome of a hindered first-order transition with glasslike arrest of kinetics resulting in irreversibility. Consistent with a simple phase diagram having a ferromagnetic ground state, it is experimentally shown that these coexisting phases are far from equilibrium.