Unconventional Ferromagnetic Transition in La1-xCaxMnO3

Neutron scattering has been used to study the magnetic correlations and long wavelength spin dynamics of La1-xCaxMnO3 in the ferromagnetic regime (0<=x<1/2). For x=1/3 (Tc=250K) where the magnetoresistance effects are largest the system behaves as an ideal isotropic ferromagnet at low T, with a gapless (<0.04meV) dispersion relation E=Dq^2 and D(T=0)~170 meV-A-1. However, an anomalous strongly-field-dependent diffusive component develops above ~200K and dominates the fluctuation spectrum as T approaches Tc. This component is not present at lower x.