Photomagnetism Studies in Nd0.7Sr0.3CoO3

The partial substitution of rare earth ion by bivalent alkaline earth ion in perovskite oxide of the type LnMO
₃
(Ln = Rare earth ion, M = Transition metal ion) generates mixed valence states of M
³⁺
and M
⁴⁺
has been extensively studied. This article investigate the photo magnetic effects in the system, Nd
_0.7
Sr
_0.3
CoO
₃
. This composition is known to exhibit interesting magnetic properties at low temperatures . The results obtained earlier suggest an electronic phase separation due to coexistence of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interaction which competes and causes frustration. Due to the substitution of Sr
²⁺
at Neodymium site, Co
³⁺
and Co
⁴⁺
are generated which can in principle exist in either low, intermediate or high spin states. The intermediate states of Co
³⁺
and Co
⁴⁺
ion , which are known to exist in these cobaltites are Jahn Teller ion. These ions and Nd
³⁺
(L = 6) having large orbital moments may induce a large anisotropy.