Domain structures and superdislocations of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 thin films grown on SrTiO3 substrates

Abstract

The domain structures and dislocations in epitaxial thin films of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 grown on SrTiO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition were investigated using Bragg-contrast diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. It revealed that the films contained the 1/2[100]o and 1/2[10-1]o types partial threading dislocations, the 90 degree - and 120 degree - types of twin- domain boundaries, and two types 1/2[010]o, 1/2[111]o, of antiphase boundaries, which are often observed in bulk materials. In addition, two types of superdislocations were detected; one consisted of two 1/2[111]o dislocations and a 1/2[111]o antiphase boundary, and the other was composed of two 1/2[010]o dislocations and a 1/2[010]o antiphase boundary. These superdislocations, domain boundaries, and their relationships were extensively explored.