Metal–insulator transition in SrRuO3 induced by ion irradiation

Abstract

We have studied the effect of He+ irradiation on the electrical resistivity and Curie temperature of ferromagnetic SrRuO3 thin films. An evolution from metallic to insulating behavior is observed when He+ ion fluence is increased, suggesting a metal–insulator transition. Damage by ion irradiation produces a strong decrease of the Curie temperature. On the other hand, no significant change in Tc (∼160 K) takes place in fresh samples grown at different substrate temperatures. We discuss the possible correlation between structural changes induced by irradiation, which reflect in an increase of the pseudocubic lattice parameter, and the observed depression of Tc.