Interface Ferromagnetism in (110)-Oriented La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrTiO3 Ultrathin Superlattices

Abstract

We explore manganite interface magnetism in epitaxially grown La0.7Sr0.3MnO3(LSMO)/SrTiO3 ultrathin superlattices (SL) along (110) orientation. we show that robust ferromagnetism persists down to four monolayers LSMO(MLs) (~1.1 nm in thickness), of which 50% Mn is at the interface state. Above eight MLs, the magnetic moment is nearly saturated to the theoretical value of 3.7u_B, with an estimated interface moment of 3.2u_B. In comparison to (100)-oriented SLs which were previously shown to have a spin canted ground state, (110)-oriented SLs exhibit stronger low-dimensional ferromagnetism and better metallicity, suggesting a ferromagnetic interface spin state well suited for all-oxide spintronic devices. The underlining mechanism is qualitatively discussed.