Strain control of superlattice implies weak charge-lattice coupling in   La$_{0.5}$Ca$_{0.5}$MnO$_3$
  We have recently argued that manganites do not possess stripes of charge order, implying that the electron-lattice coupling is weak [Phys Rev Lett \textbf{94} (2005) 097202]. Here we independently argue the same conclusion based on transmission electron microscopy measurements of a nanopatterned epitaxial film of La$_{0.5}$Ca$_{0.5}$MnO$_3$. In strain relaxed regions, the superlattice period is modified by 2-3% with respect to the parent lattice, suggesting that the two are not strongly tied. 
S. Cox, E. Rosten, J. C. Chapman, S. Kos, M. J. Calder\'on, D. J.   Kang, P. B. Littlewood, P. A. Midgley, N. D. Mathur