Photosensitive SrMnO3

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the photosensitive behavior of SrMnO3 thin films, showing how laser illumination influences their vibrational modes and crystal structure, indicating potential for optoelectronic applications.

Contribution

First detection of photosensitivity in SrMnO3, revealing how laser light affects its vibrational and electronic properties through Raman and XAS analysis.

Findings

Raman modes soften under laser illumination

Mode softening increases with laser power and temperature

XAS shows changes in crystal field splitting with light exposure

Abstract

In recent years, photosensitive materials have been in huge demand because of their fascinating ability to convert absorbed photon energy to generate strain and henceforth tuning the physical properties. In this report we detect the photosensitive activity of SrMnO3. Using the power dependent and temperature dependent Raman study with different laser sources having wavelengths across the optical band gap of SrMnO3, we divulge the photosensitive character of SrMnO3 thin films. Upon laser light illumination, Raman modes soften and softening further increases with increase in laser power. Similar kind of mode variation is observed with increasing temperature at fixed laser power. XAS in presence of laser illumination, reveals the change in crystal field splitting associated with mode softening.