Electronic Transitions in Strained SmNiO_3 Thin Films

Abstract

Nickelates are known for their metal to insulator transition (MIT) and an unusual magnetic ordering, occurring at T=T_N\'eel. Here, we investigate thin films of SmNiO_3 subjected to different levels of epitaxial strain. We find that the original bulk behavior (T_N\'eel<T_MI) is strongly affected by applying compressive strain to the films. For small compressive strains, a regime where T_N\'eel=T_MI is achieved, the paramagnetic insulating phase characteristic of the bulk compound is suppressed and the MIT becomes 1st order. Further increasing the in-plane compression of the SmNiO_3 lattice leads to the stabilization of a single metallic paramagnetic phase.