Meyer-Neldel rule in the conductivity of phase separated manganites

Meyer-Neldel behaviour of the conductivity of phase separated La_1−xCa_xMnO₃ manganite system in the low Ca-doping range has been investigated. Evolution of the isokinetic temperature of the conductivity, modified by Ca-doping, hydrostatic pressure and current bias has been determined. In addition, the evolution of the isokinetic temperature with ageing has also been studied. It is found that the Meyer-Neldel behaviour of the manganite system stems from multi-excitation entropy mechanism. The isokinetic temperatures estimated from pressure and doping effects coincide but differ from those determined using current and ageing controlled conductivity changes. It is concluded that in the presence of a detailed theoretical model of the excitations coupling in manganites, the investigations of the Meyer-Neldel effect may became a powerful tool for characterization and investigation of transport mechanisms in phase separated manganites.