Competing\nInterfacial Reconstruction\nMechanisms in La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃/SrTiO₃ Heterostructures

Abstract

Interface coupling between complex\noxides offers unique possibilities to tailor materials properties\nand stabilize novel ground states. Understanding the structural reconstruction\nof the corner-shared octahedral framework and the charge redistribution\nare crucial for controlling interfacial properties in oxide electronics.\nHere, we study the interfacial oxygen octahedral behavior in La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃/SrTiO₃ heterostructure,\nby directly imaging the oxygen octahedra at the atomic scale and extracting\nthe structural parameters. We combine these experimental results with\nelectronic structure calculations to elucidate the effect of reconstructed\nMnO₆ octahedral geometry on increased interfacial magnetization\nand conductivity. The Mn valence profiles near the interface are quantitatively\nanalyzed and compared at variant temperatures, revealing the insulating\nnature of interfacial manganite with reduced Mn valence. This study\nsuggests a pathway to manipulate the interfacial properties and creation\nof new ground states in complex oxide heterostructures by tuning competing\nstructural and electronic parameters.