Localization and interaction effects in strongly underdoped La2-xSrxCuO4.
The in-plane magnetoresistance (MR) in La(2-x)SrxCuO4 films with 0.03< x <0.05 has been studied in the temperature range 1.6 to 100 K, and in magnetic fields up to 14 T, parallel and perpendicular to the CuO2 planes. The behavior of the MR is consistent with a predominant influence of interaction effects at high temperatures, switching gradually to a regime dominated by spin scattering at low T. Weak localization effects are absent. A positive orbital MR appears close to the boundary between the antiferromagnetic and the spin-glass phase, suggesting the onset of Maki-Thompson superconducting fluctuations deep inside the insulating phase.