Strain-sensitive spin-state ordering in thin films of perovskite LaCoO3.

We have investigated the lattice distortion coupled to the Co 3d-spin-state ordering in thin films of perovskite LaCoO3 with various epitaxial strains by measurements of the magnetization, x-ray diffraction, and optical spectra. In the system with tensile strain about 0.5%, a lattice distortion characterized by the modulation vector q=(1/6,1/6,1/6) emerges at 40 K, followed by a ferromagnetic ordering at 24 K. Alternatively, in systems with tensile strain exceeding 1%, the lattice distortion characterized by q=(1/4,1/4,1/4) emerges at 120 K or higher, and subsequently the ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic ordering occurs around 90 K. The evolution of infrared phonon spectra and resonant x-ray scattering at the Co K edge suggests that the population change in the Co 3d spin state causes the strain-induced switching of spin-state ordering as well as of magnetic ordering in this canonical spin-state crossover system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]