Characterization of CaMn$_{2}$O$_{4}$ By X-Ray Magnetic Linear Dichroism*

Perovskite manganite such as La$_{x}$Ca$_{(1-x)}$MnO$_{3}$ (LCMO) have recently drawn attention for their useful electronic and magnetic properties such as Colossal Magnetoresistance. It has been shown that under stress, LCMO thin films show changes in La and Ca concentrations near the interface. One potential impurity under La depleted conditions is antiferromagnetic CaMn$_{2}$O$_{4}$. In order to better understand the range of properties available within LCMO systems, it is important to be able to identify and characterize CaMn$_{2}$O$_{4}$ within LCMO thin films. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray magnetic linear dichroism (XMLD) are well suited to this task due to their element specificity, sensitivity, and ability to characterize the measure the magnetic properties of antiferromagnetic systems. XAS and XMLD were measured on high quality single crystals of CaMn$_{2}$O$_{4}$. These spectra are distinguished from CaMnO$_{3}$ and demonstrate antiferromagnetic structure.