Electrical Transport & Magnetocaloric Properties in doped Manganites

A case study on polycrystalline monovalent K-doped Lanthanum Manganites has been carried out in context of the electrical conduction mechanisms and their temperature dependence that controls the behavior of mixed valence manganites over an extended temperature range. Studies have also been performed on the thermoelectric power, magnetoresistance and magnetocaloric effect of the compounds. Synthesis of the perovskites by Pyrophoric technique and their microscopic characterizations are detailed. Measurements are done on electrical resistivity, magnetoresistance, thermoelectric power and magnetocaloric effect of the compounds. The results are analyzed in light of various contemporary theoretical propositions.