Dynamics and phase separation in EuCd2P2

The interplay between magnetic, electronic and structural degrees of freedom in correlated electron systems gives rise to colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) in some magnetic semiconductors and manganites. A characteristic of CMR-hosting materials with competing interactions is a rich phase diagram in which some phases can exhibit intrinsic (i.e. electronic, and non-chemical) phase separation, often involving percolative transitions. Nanoscale electronic phase separation likely plays a crucial role in the emergence of CMR, as well as in the suppression of critical dynamics in quantum phase transitions. Here we propose timely muSR measurements on EuCd2P2, a unique CMR system
whose magnetic transition is subtly coupled to its transport properties. Owing to the high current interest in this system, we request Rapid Access muon beamtime in order to complete an urgent publication.