Thermopower and nature of the hole-doped states in LaMnO₃ and related systems showing giant magnetoresistance

Abstract

We have measured the thermopower (S) of hole-doped LaMnO₃ systems in order to see its dependence on the Mn⁴⁺ content as well as to investigate other crucial factors that determine S. We have carried out hole doping (creation of Mn⁴⁺ by two distinct means, namely, by the substitution of La by divalent cations such as Ca and Sr and by self-doping without aliovalent substitution). The thermopower is sensitive not only to the hole concentration but also to the process employed for hole doping, which we explain as arising from the differences in the nature of the hole-doped states. We also point out a general trend in the dependence of S on hole concentration at high temperatures (T>T_c), similar to that found in the normal-state thermopower of the cuprates.