Role of Oxygen Vacancies in Magnetic Properties of LaAlO_3/SrTiO_3 Interface

摘要

The interface of two band-insulators SrTiO_3 and LaAlO_3 exhibits a highly conducting two-dimensional electron gas which shows low-temperature superconductivity, ferromagnetism and many other novel properties. Several studies reveal that the oxygen vacancies at the interface have strong influence on the electronic and magnetic properties of the interface electrons. Here, we develop an insight into the effects of oxygen vacancies on the magnetic properties of the system; the oxygen vacancies help in establishing ferromagnetism which competes with superconductivity at low temperatures. Simulated Monte-Carlo annealing suggests an ordering of the oxygen vacant sites and sheds light on the experimental observation of the quenching of magnetic moment on annealing. A possible explanation for the coexistence of superconductivity and ferromagnetism is also discussed.