Lattice effects in ferromagnetic La1 − xBaxMnO3 thin films

The effects of plasma power on the physical properties of sputtering deposited La1 − xBaxMnO3 (LBMO) films on SrTiO3 (001) substrates were investigated by X-ray scattering and absorption. The results of X-ray scattering reveal different sizes of strain involved when LBMO epilayers were grown at different plasma powers. Moreover, both X-ray scattering and extended X-ray absorption fine structure provide evidence that the LBMO epilayer grown at a larger plasma power will experience intrinsic compressive stress, distorting the MnO6 octahedra. The modifications of magnetic properties of LBMO thin films are discussed in relation with changes in the lattice properties. The shortening of one electron band width in the LBMO epilayer from high-energy bombardment suppresses the ferromagnetism of the film.