Field induced spin reorientation transition in epitaxial La 0.5Sr 0.5CoO 3 films

Abstract

Strained epitaxial La 0.5Sr 0.5CoO 3 films are grown on LaAlO 3 substrate. Structural, electrical, and magnetic measurements were carried out. Out of plane lattice parameter of the film undergoes compressive strain and the coercivity is enhanced. The zero field cooled (ZFC) magnetization curve for a field applied parallel to the film plane shows a jump, which suggests a spin reorientation transition (SRT), while ZFC magnetization for a field applied perpendicular to the film plane is featureless. This jump in magnetization is shifted to higher temperatures when the magnetic field is reduced. The SRT is attributed to the strain in the film.