Normal-state anomalies in the transport and magnetic properties in the (La1-xPrx)(1.85)Sr0.15CuO4 system and their correlation with T-c suppression: A signature of the effects of orthorhombic distortions

The correlation between the normal-state anomalies observed in the magnetic and transport properties of the (La1-xPrx)(1.85)SR0.15CUO4 system with 0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 0.5 was studied. The x-ray-diffraction patterns revealed a linear increase of the (a-b) orthorhombic parameter with the Pr content. The resistivity curves showed an increasing deviation from linearity below similar to 100 K. This anomaly was properly accounted by a logarithmic term, whose coefficient C linearly increases with x. Superconducting quantum interference device measurements of the normal-state magnetic susceptibility evidenced a deviation from the Pr3+ Curie-Weiss behavior in the same temperature range for which the resistivity anomaly occurs. This behavior is explained in terms of an induced magnetic moment at the CuO2, layers under strain. A Dzialoshinsky-Moriya interaction, associated to the orthorhombic distortions, is proposed to be the source of a weak canted ferromagnetic component, which develops in conjunction with an enhancement of the antiferromagnetic correlations. A comprehensive picture of the conduction mechanism for the whole system is presented in terms of a Kondo-like scattering of the mobile holes by the spin fluctuations at the conduction planes. T-c suppression was found to correlate with C, suggesting that the excitation which interacts with the carriers in the normal state is relevant for superconductivity. [S0163-1829(99)11505-4].5996557656