The Structural and Magnetic ordering in La{}_(0.5-x)Nd_(x)Ca_(0.5)MnO₃ (0.1 ensuremath{le} x ensuremath{le} 0.5) Manganites

The crystal and magnetic structure of polycrystalline $La{}_{0.5-x}Nd{}_{x}Ca_{0.5}MnO{}_{3}$ (0.0 \ensuremath{\le} x \ensuremath{\le} 0.5) samples have been investigated using magnetization, resistivity, transmission electron microscope, and neutron diffraction techniques. The samples are isostructural and possess orthorhombic structure in \textit{Pnma} space group. On lowering of temperature, the samples exhibit CE - type antiferromagnetic structure coexisting with a weak ferromagnetic ordering. The charge and orbitally ordered antiferromagnetic phase is weakened by the growth of ferromagnetic phase. The evolution of structural distortions and magnetic structure at low temperature as a function of Nd doping exhibit a strong correlation with A - site disorder ($\sigma{}^{2}$).