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Fabrication of Spatially Confined Complex Oxides
Published on: July 1, 2013
Persistent and reversible all-optical phase control in a manganite thin film
N Takubo1, Y Ogimoto, M Nakamura
1Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan.
Physical Review Letters
|August 11, 2005
Summary
Researchers achieved persistent optical phase control in manganite thin films. Light can switch between metallic and insulating phases, offering insights into electron correlation physics and potential applications.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Manganite thin films exhibit complex phase transitions.
- Controlling these phases optically is crucial for advanced electronic applications.
- Understanding electron correlation physics is key to material design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To achieve persistent and reversible optical phase control in manganite thin films.
- To investigate the competing roles of light excitation and heating in phase transitions.
- To explore applications and fundamental physics of electron correlation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Pr1-x(Ca1-ySr(y))xMnO3 thin films near a multicritical point.
- Utilizing pulsed laser light to induce phase transitions.
- Employing continuous-wave (cw) light for reversible phase control via heating.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated persistent and reversible optical phase control.
- Successfully switched between metallic and charge-ordered insulating phases using light.
- Identified distinct roles of light excitation and thermal effects in phase manipulation.
Conclusions:
- Optical phase control is achievable in specific manganite compositions.
- Light-induced heating and excitation have competing effects on phase transitions.
- Findings are significant for both materials science applications and understanding electron correlation.
