  We investigate the electronic, magnetic and orbital properties of
La0.5Ca0.5MnO3 perovskite by means of an ab initio electronic structure
calculation within the Hartree-Fock approximation. Using the experimental
crystal structure reported by Radaelli et al. [Phys. Rev B 55, 3015 (1997)], we
find a charge-ordering stripe-like ground state. The periodicity of the
stripes, and the insulating CE-type magnetic structure are in agreement with
neutron x-ray and electron diffraction experiments. However, the detailed
structure is more complex than that envisaged by simple models of charge and
orbital order on Mn d-levels alone, and is better described as a charge-density
wave of oxygen holes, coupled to the Mn spin/orbital order.
