Electric-field-induced insulator–metal transitions in thin films of charge-ordered rare-earth manganates

Thin films of charge-ordered Nd0.5Ca0.5MnO3, Y0.5Ca0.5MnO3, and Nd0.5Sr0.5MnO3 have been prepared on Si(100) and LaAlO3(100) substrates by the nebulized spray pyrolysis of organometallic precursors. Small electric fields induce insulator–metal transitions in the films with the resistivity decreasing with increasing current. The current–voltage characteristics are non-ohmic and show some hysteresis. The current-induced negative differential resistance found in these manganate films could have potential technological applications.