Magneto-dielectric coupling and weak magnetocaloric coupling in (LaMnO3)0.5 -(BaTiO3)0.5 composite system

We investigate the structural, magnetic, dielectric, and thermal properties of the (LaMnO₃)_0.5 (BaTiO₃)_0.5 composite system. XRD patterns analysis revealed that the composite crystallizes in a cubic structure with space group Pm-3m and the system contains two distinct phases of LaMnO₃ (a = b = c = 3.96 Å (V = 62.44 ų)) and BaTiO₃ (a = b = c = 3.98 Å (V = 63.11 ų) without any interdiffusion of phase into one another. Mn and Ti L_2,3-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy confirms that Mn is in the Mn³⁺ state and Ti in the Ti⁴⁺ state, indicating no mixed valency or phase interdiffusion. Whereas, any diffusion of one into other phase could have led to a mixed valency state. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate an antiferromagnetic transition at ~12 K. Dielectric measurements reveal a high dielectric constant (~12,000 F/m) at room temperature, much higher than pure BaTiO₃ (~2,000 F/m), likely due to interfacial effects between the LMO and BTO phases. An anomaly in the dielectric constant near 11 K suggests the presence of magneto-dielectric coupling. Specific heat measurements show a weak anomaly around 10 K, indicating the possibility of a weak magnetocaloric effect in the system.