Can we prevent the "dead layer" formation at manganite interfaces?

TL;DR

This study proposes a theoretical method to prevent the formation of a dead layer at manganite interfaces by using alkaline-earth oxides, which enhances conductivity and orbital occupancy in superlattices.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach using alkaline-earth simple oxides to inhibit dead layer formation in manganite superlattices, supported by theoretical calculations.

Findings

Use of alkaline-earth oxides promotes manganite layer contraction.

Increases $d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbital occupancy and conductivity.

Applicable across various manganites and layer thicknesses.

Abstract

The present work theoretically studies the possibility to hinder the formation of a "dead" layer at the interfaces in manganite superlattices. We showed that this goal can be reached by using alkaline-earth simple oxides as alternating layers in very thin superlattices. Indeed, such alternating layer promotes the contraction of manganite layers at the interfaces and $d_{x^2-y^2}$ preferred $e_g$ orbital occupancy, while Boltzman's transport calculations show an increase in conductivity. This result hold for different manganites, different alkaline-earth simple oxides as well as different thicknesses of the two layers.