Disorder influence on the magnetic properties of La0.55Sr0.45MnO3/SrTiO3 superlattices

The structural and physical properties of La0.55Sr0.45MnO3/SrTiO3 superlattices grown by magnetron sputtering are studied. Two deposition temperatures and different mismatched substrates and buffer layers were used. The structure was determined by refinement through X-ray diffraction pattern fitting. The results indicate 1 unit cell (u.c.) interdiffusion at the interfaces and a 1 u.c. layer thickness fluctuation, i.e. roughness. In-plane hysteresis loops show the expected ferromagnetic behavior, while the perpendicular-to-plane hysteresis loops show anomalies which could evidence magnetic domain size inhomogeneities and stress. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.