Probing a spin-glass state in SrRuO3 thin films through higher-order statistics of resistance fluctuations

TL;DR

This study investigates the low-temperature glassy state in SrRuO3 thin films by analyzing higher-order resistance fluctuation statistics, revealing non-Gaussian behavior indicative of a spin-glass phase.

Contribution

It introduces the use of higher-order resistance fluctuation analysis to probe the spin-glass state in SrRuO3 thin films, providing new insights into their complex magnetic behavior.

Findings

Large non-Gaussian resistance fluctuations at low temperatures

Evidence supporting a spin-glass state with hierarchical dynamics

Distinction from simple ferromagnetic behavior

Abstract

The complex perovskite oxide SrRuO3 shows intriguing transport properties at low temperatures due to the interplay of spin, charge, and orbital degrees of freedom. One of the open questions in this system is regarding the origin and nature of the low-temperature glassy state. In this paper we report on measurements of higher-order statistics of resistance fluctuations performed in epitaxial thin films of SrRuO3 to probe this issue. We observe large low-frequency non-Gaussian resistance fluctuations over a certain temperature range. Our observations are compatible with that of a spin-glass system with properties described by hierarchical dynamics rather than with that of a simple ferromagnet with a large coercivity.