Elastic properties of La$_{0.7-y}$Pr$_{y}$Ca$_{0.3}$MnO$_{3}$ single crystals (0 $\le y\le$ 0.3)

Temperature dependences of longitudinal sound wave velocities and internal friction of ferromagnetic La$_{0.7-y}$Pr$_{y}$Ca$_{0.3}$MnO$_{3}$ single crystals (0 $\le y\le$ 0.3) with the first-order magnetic phase transition have been analyzed. In the paramagnetic region, the temperature dependences of the sound velocity and internal friction exhibit extended temperature hysteresis, which is indicative of inhomogeneity of the paramagnetic state. Structural phase stratification is likely the main reason for the inhomogeneous paramagnetic state of La$_{0.7-y}$Pr$_{y}$Ca$_{0.3}$MnO$_{3}$ single crystals (0 $\le y\le$ 0.3).