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08:45
Fabrication of Spatially Confined Complex Oxides
Published on: July 1, 2013
Self-assembled monolayer-functionalized half-metallic manganite for molecular spintronics.
Sergio Tatay1, Clément Barraud, Marta Galbiati
1Unité Mixte de Physique CNRS/Thales, 1 Avenue Auguste Fresnel, 91767 Palaiseau, and Université Paris-Sud, 91405 Orsay, France. sergio.tatay-aguilar@thalesgroup.com
ACS Nano
|September 6, 2012
Summary
Researchers successfully grafted alkylphosphonic acids onto lanthanum strontium manganite (LSMO) surfaces, creating ordered self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). These SAMs function as tunnel barriers, paving the way for advanced molecular spintronic devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Organic Electronics
- Spintronics
Background:
- Lanthanum strontium manganite (LSMO) is a standard ferromagnetic electrode in organic spintronics due to its spin polarization and stability.
- Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are overlooked but promising for molecular engineering in spintronic devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first key step of SAM grafting protocols over LSMO surface thin films.
- To investigate the potential of alkylphosphonic acids as functional layers in LSMO-based spintronic devices.
Main Methods:
- Grafting of dodecyl (C12P) and octadecyl (C18P) phosphonic acids onto LSMO surfaces.
- Characterization of SAMs' structure and ordering.
- Electrical characterization of SAMs in nanodevices.
Main Results:
- Ordered SAMs of alkylphosphonic acids were successfully formed on LSMO.
- Alkyl chains exhibited specific tilt angles (43° for C12P, 27° for C18P).
- SAMs demonstrated functionality as tunnel barriers in electrical measurements.
Conclusions:
- Alkylphosphonic acids can be effectively grafted onto LSMO surfaces to form ordered SAMs.
- These SAMs act as tunnel barriers, enabling integration into molecular/organic spintronic devices.
- This work opens new avenues for designing spin OLEDs and other spintronic applications.
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