Magnetic anisotropy reversal by shear stress in (110)-orientated La_(2/3)Ca_(1/3)MnO_3 films

摘要

In-plane magnetic anisotropy has been studied for the (110)-orientated La_(2/3)Ca_(1/3)MnO_3 (LCMO) films grown on SrTiO_3 (STO) and LaAlO_3 (LAO) substrates. Deviation from orthorhombic symmetry is observed in these two series of films, particularly for the films grown above LAO, which suffer from a strong shear strain. A switch of the magnetic easy axis between the [001] and axes is observed for the LCMO/LAO films as structure deformation varies, while the LCMO/ STO films exhibit a [001] easy axis. An analytical analysis of the influence of magnetoelastic energy on magnetic anisotropy is performed, and the dominative role of shear strain is revealed. The present work indicates that the lattice distortion provides a feasible approach towards magnetic engineering, leading to abundant magnetic phenomena.