The small polaron crossover transition in colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) manganites

Based on the combined model of the double exchange and the polaron, we have studied the small-to-large polaron crossover transition and explored its effects on the magnetic and transport properties in colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) manganites. We have used the variational Lang-Firsov canonical transformation, and shown that the magnetic and transport properties of both high and low $T_C$ manganites are well described in terms of a single formalism. We have reproduced the rapid resistivity drop below $T_C$, a realistic CMR ratio, and the {\it first-order-like} sharp magnetic phase transition, which are observed in low $T_C$ manganites.