Magnetism in Oxide Thin Films

Atomic resolution electron microscopy and electron spectroscopy play a key role in understanding the structural underpinnings of magnetic properties in oxide thin films. For example, using manganese and chromium based perovskite thin films and superlattices as a testbed, we are studying the relationship between octahedral tilting/distortion, chemical homogeneity, and electronic structure vis a combination of STEM imaging, diffraction, and spectroscopy techniques. This work is being  extended to other oxide systems, where we continue to study not only the materials, but also develop microscopy and data analysis techniques.