Correlation between structure and properties in multiferroic La$_{0.7}$Ca$_{0.3}$MnO$_3$/BaTiO$_3$ superlattices

TL;DR

This study investigates how the structural strain in La$_{0.7}$Ca$_{0.3}$MnO$_3$/BaTiO$_3$ superlattices influences their multiferroic properties, revealing the relationship between layer thickness, strain distribution, and physical behavior.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the correlation between structural strain and multiferroic properties in ferromagnetic/ferroelectric superlattices.

Findings

Out-of-plane lattice parameters depend on BTO layer thickness.

In-plane lattice parameter remains nearly constant.

Strain distribution affects multiferroic behavior.

Abstract

Superlattices composed of ferromagnetics, namely La$_{0.7}$Ca$_{0.3}$MnO$_3$ (LCMO), and ferroelectrics, namely, BaTiO$_3$(BTO) were grown on SrTiO$_3$ at 720$^o$C by pulsed laser deposition process. While the out-of-plane lattice parameters of the superlattices, as extracted from the X-ray diffraction studies, were found to be dependent on the BTO layer thickness, the in-plane lattice parameter is almost constant. The evolution of the strains, their nature, and their distribution in the samples, were examined by the conventional sin$^2\psi $ method. The effects of structural variation on the physical properties, as well as the possible role of the strain on inducing the multiferroism in the superlattices, have also been discussed.