Pressure tuning of magnetic interactions in layered (La0.6Nd0.4)1. 2Sr1.8Mn2O7 manganite.

The effect of pressure of up to 9 GPa on the magnetic and structural properties of layered (La0.6Nd0.4)1.2Sr1.8Mn2O7 manganite has been investigated. Pressure shifts the Mn atoms from the center of each bilayer towards the adjacent bilayer. The observed shift of the Mn atoms involves mainly a charge redistribution within the d(3z(2)-r(2)) axial orbital. The decrease in the interbilayer spacing and the shift of the Mn atoms away from the center of each bilayer result in increased magnetic and electronic coupling between the adjacent bilayers along the c axis.