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arXiv · 1008.1373

Asymmetric orbital-lattice interactions in ultra-thin correlated oxide films

J. Chakhalian·J. M. Rondinelli·Jian Liu·B. A. Gray·M. Kareev·E. J. Moon·N. Prasai·J. L. Cohn·M. Varela·I. C. Tung·M. J. Bedzyk·S. G. Altendorf·F. Strigari·B. Dabrowski·L. H. Tjeng·P. J. Ryan·J. W. Freeland
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Abstract

Using resonant X-ray spectroscopies combined with density functional calculations, we find an asymmetric bi-axial strain-induced $d$-orbital response in ultra-thin films of the correlated metal LaNiO$_3$ which are not accessible in the bulk. The sign of the misfit strain governs the stability of an octahedral "breathing" distortion, which, in turn, produces an emergent charge-ordered ground state with an altered ligand-hole density and bond covalency. Control of this new mechanism opens a pathway to rational orbital engineering, providing a platform for artificially designed Mott materials.

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J. Chakhalian, J. M. Rondinelli, Jian Liu, B. A. Gray, M. Kareev, E. J. Moon, N. Prasai, J. L. Cohn, M. Varela, I. C. Tung, M. J. Bedzyk, S. G. Altendorf, F. Strigari, B. Dabrowski, L. H. Tjeng, P. J. Ryan, J. W. Freeland. 2011-08-25. Asymmetric orbital-lattice interactions in ultra-thin correlated oxide films. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.107.116805

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