Spin-lattice coupling in an epitaxial NdFeO3 thin film

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the epitaxial growth of NdFeO3 thin films with strong spin-lattice coupling and reveals a new magneto-structural instability around 250°C, advancing understanding of their magnetic properties.

Contribution

First successful epitaxial synthesis of parasitic-free NdFeO3 thin films showing unique tetragonal-like structure and spin-lattice interactions.

Findings

Coherent growth of NdFeO3 thin film on SrTiO3

Observation of significant spin-lattice coupling at Neel Temperature

Discovery of a new magneto-structural instability around 250°C

Abstract

Rare-earth orthoferrite RFeO3 materials such as NdFeO3 are strongly studied because of their fascinating magnetic properties and their potential applications. Here, we show the successful epitaxial synthesis of parasitic-free NFO thin film by pulsed laser deposition on (001)-SrTiO3. High-resolution X-ray diffraction shows a coherent growth and a tetragonal-like structure of a tensile strained 80 nm thick NFO film in contrast with the bulk orthorhombic state. Room temperature magnetometry indicates a bulk-like antiferromagnetic state for the NFO film. Temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction and magnetometry highlight a significant spin-lattice coupling at the Neel Temperature while a new magneto-structural instability is discovered around 250{\deg}C that needs further investigation.