LSMO (La1−xSrxMnO3) PLD Target

LSMO is an oxide material with the general formula La1−xSrxMnO3, where x describes the Sr doping level. LSMO films exhibit high conductivity at high temperature making them the cathode material of choice in solid oxide fuel cells.  Tuning the amount of Sr in the structure tunes the magnetic an dconductive properties of LSMO, making this a highly studied material.

La0. 7Sr0.3MnO3) is a very attractive material for spintronics due to the experimental observation of the colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) effect, half-metallic ferromagnetism and the relatively high Curie temperature (Tc~ 369 K) compared with common oxide-based magnetic materials.

La0. 5Sr0.5MnO3 is a composition which is highly studied in solid oxide fuel cells as a cathode material.

The Use of LSMO Thin Films in Research and Various Fields of Study

LSMO thin films are widely used in research and various fields of study. The films are often used in optoelectronics. They are also used in magnetoelectronic devices, due to their wide range of magnetic properties. In addition, LSMO thin films are used in sensors, memory devices, and fuel cells. LSMO can also be used as a lattice matched conducting layer in thin film devices.

What is the Typical Resistivity of LSMO Thin Films 

The typical resistivity of LSMO thin films is between 10-4 and 10-3 Ωcm but high quality epitaxial films can be as low as 10-6 Ωcm which is on par with other materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO), which has a resistivity of 10-6 to 10-4 Ωcm. The strontium (2+) on lanthanum (valence 3+) introduces extra holes in the valence band and thus increases electronic conductivity.

What Are The Magnetic Properties of LSMO

The ferromagnetic state of La1−xSrxMnO3 (LSMO) has a high sensitivity to external magnetic fields in the vicinity of the magnetic phase transition showing colossal magnetoresistance (CMR). Ferromagnetism (FM) is observed with Sr content (x) between 0.1-0.6; depedning on the Sr content, LSMO thin films can have their Curie temperature (Tc) tuned from 200K up above room temperature to 350K (see phase diagram (ref [1] below).

What PLD Deposition Conditions are Typically used for LSMO?

The temperature and background oxygen pressure typically used when depositing LSMO by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is between 700-900°C and 0.1-1 mbar respectively. 

How are our LSMO Targets Made?

First we make LSMO powder by solid state synthesis from lanthanum oxide, strontium carbonate & manganese oxide. Powders are ball milled, pressed uniaxially then isostatically to increase density. The pellets are then sintered at high temperatures (1000-1200°C) in an oxygen atmosphere to form a dense PLD target.

What is the Crystal Structure of LSMO?

In the bulk state, LSMO has a perovskite crystal structure however this can be controllled (along with the properties) through substrate choice. What Substrates and Substrate Orientations Support Epitaxial Growth of LSMO Thin Films?

LSMO thin films can be grown epitaxially on various substrates such as MgO (001), SrTiO3 (001), LaAlO3 (001), and YSZ (001). The orientation of the substrate must be carefully chosen to ensure good epitaxial growth. For example, if MgO (001) is used as a substrate, the growth orientation should be along the [110] direction for optimal results.

Thin Film Materials Related to LSMO

• LaNiO3
• LaMnO3
• BaTiO3
  
• SrTiO3
  
• Ba0.7Sr0.3MnO3

Are There Any Health Concerns Related to LSMO?

There are no known health concerns related to LSMO or its products such as thin films or PLD targets made from LSMO powder. However, it is important to note that proper safety precautions should always be taken when handling any chemicals or materials that may pose a health risk, including LSMO powder and PLD targets made from it.

How Should an LSMO Target Be Stored?

LSMO targets should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or sources of heat or moisture. The targets should also be kept away from any strong magnetic fields or sources of radiation that may affect their magnetic properties or structure.