  In the manganite Nd0.5Ca0.5MnO3, charge ordering occurs at much higher
temperature than the antiferromagnetic order (TCO=250K,TN=160K).
  The magnetic behavior of the phase TN<T<TCO is puzzling: its magnetization
and susceptibility are typical of an antiferromagnet while no magnetic order is
detected by neutron diffraction.We have undertaken an extensive study of the
cristallographic, electric and magnetic properties of Nd0.5Ca0.5MnO3 and
established its phase diagram as a function of temperature and magnetic field.
The charge disordered, paramagnetic phase above TCO present ferromagnetic
correlations. An antiferromagnetic CE phase prevails below TN, with complete
charge and orbital ordering. In the intermediate temperature range, charge
ordering occurs while orbital ordering sets in progressively, with no magnetic
order. Strong magnetic fields destroy the charge ordered phases in a fisrt
order transition towards a ferromagnetic state.
