Reversible control of magnetism in La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 through chemically-induced oxygen migration

Abstract

We demonstrate reversible control of magnetization and anisotropy in La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 films through interfacial oxygen migration. Gd metal capping layers deposited onto La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 leach oxygen from the film through a solid-state redox reaction to form porous Gd2O3. X-ray absorption and polarized neutron reflectometry measurements show Mn valence alterations consistent with high oxygen vacancy concentrations, resulting in suppressed magnetization and increased coercive fields. Effects of the oxygen migration are observed both at the interface and also throughout the majority of a 40 nm thick film, suggesting extensive diffusion of oxygen vacancies. After Gd-capped La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 is exposed to atmospheric oxygen for a prolonged period of time, oxygen diffuses through the Gd2O3 layer and the magnetization of the La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 returns to the uncapped value. These findings showcase perovskite heterostructures as ideal candidates for developing functional interfaces through chemically-induced oxygen migration.