Bistable resistance state induced by Joule self-heating in manganites: A general phenomenon

Appl. Phys. Lett. 88, 222513 (2006)

Y. F. Chen, M. Ziese, and P. Esquinazi

Abstract

The magnetotransport properties of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 films were investigated in the nonlinear regime of strong Joule self-heating. In this regime the resistance-current characteristics exhibit two sharp transitions between bistable resistance values. The critical currents corresponding to the transitions depend on base temperature, magnetic field, current sweep rate, film resistance, and thermal coupling to the surroundings. This phenomenon opens up the possibility for the development of a magnetoresistance sensor based on Joule self-heating tuned colossal magnetoresistance.