Redox-controlled epitaxy and magnetism of oxide heterointerfaces: EuO/SrTiO3

Abstract

We demonstrate a route to prepare thin films of the ferromagnetic insulator europium monoxide. Key is a redox-controlled interface reaction between metallic Eu and the substrate SrTiO3 as the supplier of oxygen. The process allows tuning the electronic, magnetic, and structural properties of the EuO films. Furthermore, we apply this technique to various oxidic substrates and demonstrate the universality and limits of a redox-controlled EuO film synthesis.