  The effect of proximity of the magnetism of the Pr-based manganite
(Pr0.6Sr0.4MnO3) on the superconductivity of Bi-based high-temperature
superconductor (Bi1.75Pb0.25Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+d) was studied based on the results
obtained from the magnetotransport and magnetization measurements. Decrease in
the values of the upper critical field (HC2(0)) and an increase in the width of
the superconducting transition (Delta TC) of Bi1.75Pb0.25Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+d were
observed in proximity with the manganite. The combined effect of magnetic
exchange interaction arising from the manganite, the leakage of Cooper-pairs
from the superconductor into the manganite, and the diffusion and transport of
spin-polarized electrons from the manganite into the superconductor were found
to modify the superconducting properties of Bi1.75Pb0.25Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+d. The
stacking sequence of the individual layers in these heterostructures was found
to dictate the ground state properties of the heterostructure. As a consequence
of the proximity effect, the colossal-magnetoresistance (CMR) ratio as high as
~ 99 % observed in the heterostructure makes the thin film heterostructures
promising candidates for potential technological applications.
