Physics of Ultrathin Films and Heterostructures of Rare-Earth Nickelates
Abstract
The electronic structure of transition metal oxides featuring correlated electrons can be rationalized within the Zaanen-Sawatzky-Allen framework. Following a brief description of the present paradigms of electronic behavior, we focus on the physics of rare-earth nickelates as an archetype of complexity emerging within the charge transfer regime. The intriguing prospect of realizing the physics of high-Tc cuprates through heterostructuring resulted in a massive endeavor to epitaxially stabilize these materials in ultrathin form. A plethora of new phenomena unfolded in such artificial structures due to the effect of epitaxial strain, quantum confinement, and interfacial charge transfer. Here we review the present status of artificial rare-earth nickelates in an effort to uncover the interconnection between the electronic and magnetic behavior and the underlying crystal structure. We conclude by discussing future directions to disentangle the puzzle regarding the origin of the metal-insulator transition, the role of oxygen holes, and the true nature of the antiferromagnetic spin configuration in the ultrathin limit.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2016
- Source ID
- 10.1146/annurev-matsci-070115-032057
Entities
People
- A.j. Millis
- D.d. Sarma
- J. Chakhalian
- J.w. Freeland
- P. Mahadevan
- Srimanta Middey
Organizations
- Argonne National Laboratory
- Columbia University
- Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
- University of Arkansas