Single-Crystal Growth and Synchrotron X-ray Scattering Studies of
Highly Correlated La_1-xSr_xMnO₃ (0.1<x<0.17)

Y. Su, K. Istomin, A. Fattah, P. Foucart, D. Hupfeld, O. Seeck, B. Schmitz, Th. Brückel

A series of high-quality single crystals of highly correlated La_1-xSr_x,Mn0₃ (0.l<x<0.17) were grown successfully by the floating-zone method, and characterized by comprehensive chemical, electric, magnetic and structural methods. Synchrotron X-ray resonant scattering and high-energy X-ray diffraction on a single crystal (x0.125) were undertaken. Experiments revealed a strong interplay between orbital ordering, lattice distortions and metal-to-insulator transition.