Exchange bias in phase-segregated Nd2/3Ca1/3MnO3 as a function of temperature and cooling magnetic fields

Abstract: Exchange bias (EB) phenomena have been observed in Nd2/3Ca1/3MnO3 colossal magnetoresistance perovskite below the Curie temperature $T_{C}$ = 70 K and attributed to an antiferromagnetic (AFM) - ferromagnetic (FM) spontaneous phase segregated state of this compound. Field cooled magnetic hysteresis loops exhibit shifts toward negative direction of the magnetic field axis. The values of exchange field $H_{EB}$ and coercivity $H_{C}$ are found to be strongly dependent of temperature and strength of the cooling magnetic field $H_{cool}$. These effects are attributed to evolution of the FM phase content and a size of FM clusters. A contribution to the total magnetization of the system due to the FM phase has been evaluated. The exchange bias effect decreases with increasing temperature up to $T_{C}$ and vanishes above this temperature with disappearance of FM phase. Relaxation of a non-equilibrium magnetic state of the compound manifests itself through a training effect also observed while studying EB in Nd2/3Ca1/3MnO3.