[101] Oriented Pr_0.7Ca_0.3-xSr_xMnO_3-δ Thin Films Prepared by rf Magnetron Reactive Sputtering

Abstract

Thin films of manganite materials (Pr 0.7 Ca 0.3-x Sr x MnO 3-δ ) have been grown, from a sintered target with the same cationic composition, by rf reactive magnetron sputtering. The film and target compositions have been verified as identical, within experimental errors, by energy-dispersive scattering (EDS) analysis. It is shown for the first time, from X-ray and electron diffraction studies, that the films, grown on LaAlO 3 or SrTiO 3 substrates, are [101] oriented. Nanostructural studies show that the defects are the same as those observed in bulk materials but that the magnetic behavior is different (Curie temperature is decreased from 130 to 50K). From a structural point of view this difference in magnetic behavior is difficult to understand, but the role of the oxygen content, the small grain size observed in such films, and the strains induced by the substrate film interactions is discussed.

Stress-induced metallic behavior under magnetic field in Pr1−xCaxMnO3 (x=0.5 and 0.4) thin films (invited)

“…The film is ͓101͔ oriented as previously reported for several manganites deposited on LAO ͑with a GdFeO 3 -type structure͒. 21,23 On STO, the orientation is different since the film is ͓010͔ oriented ͓Fig. 5͑b͔͒.…”

Angle-resolved magnetic and transport properties of Pr0.7Sr0.3MnO3 thin films

“…The growth axis is in the ͓110͔ direction ͑aϷbϷ& a p ͒ and the c axis is in the plane of the film (cϷ2a p ). The pseudocubic structure of this material, identical to that obtained by rf sputtering, 6 gives rise to the coexistence of domains with perpendicular c axis. The thickness of the films was determined to be 7000 Å ͑mechanical step measurement͒.…”

Pulsed Laser Deposition Thin Films of Pr0.7Sr0.3MnO3: The Role of Growth Temperature

“…One must keep in mind that differences between lattice parameters are often observed when the same phase is prepared in bulk form or in thin film form …”