Double-perovskite Sr2FeMoO6 thin films prepared by using pulsed laser deposition: Growth and crystal, electronic and magnetic structures

Abstract

We grew double-perovskite Sr2FeMoO6 thin films by using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and systematically investigated the effects of the deposition temperature (T-D) variation on their crystal structure, electronic valence state, electrical transport, and magnetic properties. The B-site double-perovskite Fe/Mo ion ordering and the saturated magnetization (M-s) were optimized at T-D = 850 degrees C while their suppressions were observed at above 900 degrees C. For the samples with T-D >= 900 degrees C, the grain structure should be included in considerations to understand the behavior of the resistivity. The valence states of the Fe and Mo ions, also depended on TD: mixed (singly)-valence Fe states were exhibited for the B-site ordered (disordered) film. These observations indicate that the TD plays a crucial role in the growth of double-perovskite Sr2FeMoO6 thin films and determines their physical properties.