Computer simulation and experimental observation of stripe phases in La1-xCaxMnO3

In this paper we combine low temperature electron microscopy of polycrystalline La1-xCaxMnO3 (0.55less than or equal toxless than or equal to0.71) with computer simulations of a model system using bi-stripe type sub-units. The results indicate that the observed modulations cannot be described as a random mixture of bi-stripe type sub-units delineated by discommensurations. The modulation is also simulated using the Frenkel-Kontorova model suggesting that electron distribution may vary smoothly (akin to a charge density wave).