Charge states and magnetic ordering in LaMnO3/SrTiO3 superlattices

Abstract

We investigated themagnetic and optical properties of [(LaMnO3)(n)/( SrTiO3)(8)](20) (n = 1, 2, and 8) superlattices grown by pulsed-laser deposition. We found that a weak ferromagnetic and semiconducting state developed in all superlattices. An analysis of the optical conductivity showed that the LaMnO3 layers in the superlattices were slightly doped. The amount of doping was almost identical regardless of the LaMnO3 layer thickness up to eight unit cells, suggesting that the effect is not limited to the interface. On the other hand, the magnetic ordering became less stable as the LaMnO3 layer thickness decreased, probably due to a dimensional effect.