Single domain to multi-domain transition due to in-plane magnetic anisotropy in phase separated (La${}_{0.4}$Pr${}_{0.6}$)${}_{0.67}$Ca${}_{0.33}$MnO${}_3$ thin films

Phase separated perovskite manganites have competing phases with different crystal structures, magnetic and electronic properties. Hence, strain effects play a critical role in determining the magnetic properties of manganite thin films. Here we report the effect of anisotropic stress on the magnetic properties of the phase separated manganite (La${}_{0.4}$Pr${}_{0.6}$)${}_{0.67}$Ca${}_{0.33}$MnO${}_3$. Thin films of (La${}_{0.4}$Pr${}_{0.6}$)${}_{0.67}$Ca${}_{0.33}$MnO${}_3$ grown under anisotropic in-plane stress on (110) NdGaO${}_3$ substrates display in-plane mangetic anisotropy and single domain to multidomain transition as a function of temperature. Angle dependent magnetization measurements also show that the magnetization reversal occurs mainly through the nucleation & propagation mechanism. By comparing the results with (La${}_{0.4}$Pr${}_{0.6}$)${}_{0.67}$Ca${}_{0.33}$MnO${}_3$ thin films grown on (001) SrLaGaO${}_4$ substrates, we have confirmed that the magnetic anisotropy is mainly due to substrate induced anisotropic stress. Our results suggest novel avenues for storing magnetic information in nanoscale magnetic media.