Single domain to multi-domain transition due to in-plane magnetic anisotropy in phase separated (La$_{0.4}$Pr$_{0.6}$)$_{0.67}$Ca$_{0.33}$MnO$_{3}$ thin films

TL;DR

This study investigates how anisotropic in-plane stress influences magnetic domain structures and anisotropy in phase separated manganite thin films, revealing a transition from single to multi-domain states with temperature changes.

Contribution

It demonstrates the role of substrate-induced anisotropic stress in controlling magnetic anisotropy and domain behavior in phase separated manganite thin films, a novel insight for magnetic media applications.

Findings

Anisotropic stress induces in-plane magnetic anisotropy.

Temperature causes a transition from single to multidomain states.

Magnetization reversal occurs mainly through nucleation and propagation.

Abstract

Phase separated perovskite manganites have competing phases with different crystal structures, magnetic and electronic properties. Hence, strain effects play a critical role in determining the magnetic properties of manganite thin films. Here we report the effect of anisotropic stress on the magnetic properties of the phase separated manganite (La$_{0.4}$Pr$_{0.6}$)$_{0.67}$Ca$_{0.33}$MnO$_{3}$. Thin films of (La$_{0.4}$Pr$_{0.6}$)$_{0.67}$Ca$_{0.33}$MnO$_{3}$ grown under anisotropic in-plane stress on (110) NdGaO$_{3}$ substrates display in-plane mangetic anisotropy and single domain to multidomain transition as a function of temperature. Angle dependent magnetization measurements also show that the magnetization reversal occurs mainly through the nucleation $&$ propagation mechanism. By comparing the results with (La$_{0.4}$Pr$_{0.6}$)$_{0.67}$Ca$_{0.33}$MnO$_{3}$ thin films grown on (001) SrLaGaO$_{4}$ substrates, we have confirmed that the magnetic anisotropy is mainly due to substrate induced anisotropic stress. Our results suggest novel avenues for storing magnetic information in nanoscale magnetic media.