Colossal Magnetoresistance and Quenched Disorder in Manganese Oxides

Abstract

We give an overview on several recent topics of colossal magnetoresistive\nmanganites in both experiments and theories, focusing on the effect of quenched\ndisorder. The disorder is intrinsically involved since the compounds are solid\nsolutions, and its importance has been pointed out in several experiments of\ntransport and magnetic properties. Recent progress in the experimental control\nof the strength of disorder is also reviewed. Theoretically, the effect of the\ndisorder has been explored within the framework of the double-exchange\nmechanism. Several efforts to understand the phase diagram and the electronic\nproperties are reviewed. We also briefly discuss a recent topic on the effect\nof disorder on competing phases and the origin of colossal magnetoresistance.\n