Site-selective spectroscopy with depth resolution using resonant x-ray reflectometry

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • J. E. Hamann-Borrero - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • S. Macke - , University of British Columbia, Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research (Author)
  • B. Gray - , University of Arkansas System (Author)
  • M. Kareev - , Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick (Author)
  • E. Schierle - , Helmholtz Centre Berlin for Materials and Energy (Author)
  • S. Partzsch - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • M. Zwiebler - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • U. Treske - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • A. Koitzsch - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • B. Büchner - , Chair of Experimental Solid State Physics, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • J. W. Freeland - , Argonne National Laboratory (Author)
  • J. Chakhalian - , Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick (Author)
  • J. Geck - , Chair of Physics of Quantum Materials (Author)

Abstract

Combining dissimilar transition metal oxides (TMOs) into artificial heterostructures enables to create electronic interface systems with new electronic properties that do not exist in bulk. A detailed understanding of how such interfaces can be used to tailor physical properties requires characterization techniques capable to yield interface sensitive spectroscopic information with monolayer resolution. In this regard resonant x-ray reflectivity (RXR) provides a unique experimental tool to achieve exactly this. It yields the element specific electronic depth profiles in a non-destructive manner. Here, using a YBa2Cu3O7-δ (YBCO) thin film, we demonstrate that RXR is further capable to deliver site selectivity. By applying a new analysis scheme to RXR, which takes the atomic structure of the material into account, together with information of the local charge anisotropy of the resonant ions, we obtained spectroscopic information from the different Cu sites (e.g., chain and plane) throughout the film profile. While most of the film behaves bulk-like, we observe that the Cu-chains at the surface show characteristics of electron doping, whereas the Cu-planes closest to the surface exhibit an orbital reconstruction similar to that observed at La1-x Ca x MnO3/YBCO interfaces.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number13792
JournalScientific reports
Volume7
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2017
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85032207753
PubMed 29061996

Keywords

Library keywords