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Reversible structural transition in epitaxial manganite film
1Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China.
Physical Review Letters
|May 15, 2002
Summary
Electron beam irradiation induces a reversible structural transition in La(2/3)Sr(1/3)MnO3 films, lowering symmetry from rhombohedral to monoclinic. This change is driven by substrate mismatch and electron beam-induced stress.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Solid State Physics
- Crystallography
Background:
- Epitaxial thin films of lanthanum strontium manganite (La(2/3)Sr(1/3)MnO3) exhibit complex structural and electronic properties.
- Understanding structural transitions is crucial for tailoring material functionalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reversible structural transition in epitaxial La(2/3)Sr(1/3)MnO3 films.
- To determine the influence of electron beam irradiation on crystallographic symmetry.
Main Methods:
- In situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM).
- In situ electron diffraction.
- Image and diffraction calculations.
Main Results:
- Observed a reversible transition from rhombohedral to monoclinic symmetry in the film.
- Demonstrated that electron beam irradiation can lower the crystallographic symmetry.
- Identified mismatch stress and irradiation-induced thermal stress as cooperating factors.
Conclusions:
- Electron beam irradiation provides a pathway to controllably alter the crystal structure of La(2/3)Sr(1/3)MnO3 films.
- The observed rhombohedral-monoclinic transition is a result of combined substrate-film interactions and irradiation effects.
- This work highlights the sensitivity of perovskite manganite films to external stimuli.