Control of anisotropy and magnetic interactions by uniaxial strain in magnetic oxides: a study by X-ray spectroscopies

• Grant number: 24/17372-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Thiago José de Almeida Mori
• Grantee: Gabriel Alcântara Amorim
• Host Institution: Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The electronic and magnetic properties of transition metal compounds are profoundly influenced by structural deformations, especially in strongly correlated electron systems. Among these compounds, magnetic oxides stand out, exhibiting a wide range of emergent phenomena of both fundamental and technological interest. This project aims to apply advanced X-ray spectroscopy techniques to investigate the electronic structure of magnetic transition metal oxides under structural deformations. Two cobalt oxides will be investigated: CoO, a model antiferromagnetic system, and La2CoMnO6, known for its unique emergent magnetic properties. In the case of CoO, existing data from X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and magnetic linear dichroism will be analyzed to assess the manipulation of magnetocrystalline anisotropy and the antiferromagnetic state in polycrystalline thin films grown on flexible substrates. For LCMO, the goal is to explore the microscopic origin of emergent phenomena such as magnetodielectric coupling near room temperature, which can be manipulated by applying uniaxial strain to single crystals. To achieve this, a methodology for applying uniaxial strain within the ultra-high vacuum chamber of the experimental station at the IPE beamline of Sirius will be employed. The project will also emphasize the execution of computational simulations of XAS spectra based on multiplet and crystal field models to aid in the interpretation of experimental data. The project aims to advance the understanding of the mechanisms governing the manipulation of magnetic oxide properties through the control of structural deformations.