Reflection high-energy electron diffraction oscillations during epitaxial growth of high-temperature superconducting oxides

Abstract

Strong intensity oscillations have been found in reflection high-energy electron diffraction during epitaxial growth of ${\mathrm{BaTiO}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$, and ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$ with perovskite-type structures. The oscillation period corresponds to the height of the minimum unit of each oxide that satisfies the chemical composition and electrical neutrality. The data provide a basic understanding of the epitaxial growth process of ionic oxides.