Structural and magnetic properties of epitaxial thin films of the ordered double perovskite La2CoMnO6

Abstract

Epitaxial thin films of the ordered ferromagnetic double perovskite La2CoMnO6 have been grown on (001)-oriented SrTiO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy analysis suggests that the Mn and Co ions are primarily in the 4+ and 2+ valence states. Magnetic measurements indicate the presence of two phases: a majority and a minority ferromagnetic phase with transition temperatures of 230 and 80K, respectively. A spin-glass-type magnetic behavior is also indicated for the films based on time-dependent measurements. The spin-glass behavior likely arises from a competition between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions because of local disorder, even in films grown under optimal conditions.