Computer simulation and experimental observation of stripe phases in La1-xCaxMn03

Abstract. In this paper we combine low temperature electron microscopy of polycrystalline La1.xCaxMn03 (0.5$x$0.71) with computer simulations of a model system using hi-stripe type sub-units. The results indicate that the observed modulations cannot be described as a random mixture of hi-stripe type sub-units delineated by discommensurations. The modulation is also simulated using the Frenkel-Kontorova model suggesting that electron distribution may vary smoothly (akin to a charge density wave).