Orbital control in strained ultra-thin LaNiO${}_3$/LaAlO${}_3$ superlattices

Abstract

In pursuit of rational control of orbital polarization, we present a combined experimental and theoretical study of single unit cell superlattices of the correlated metal LaNiO${}_3$ and the band insulator LaAlO${}_3$. Polarized x-ray absorption spectra show a distinct asymmetry in the orbital response under strain. A splitting of orbital energies consistent with octahedral distortions is found for the case of compressive strain. In sharp contrast, for tensile strain, no splitting is found although a strong orbital polarization is present. Density functional theory calculations including a Hubbard U term reveal that this asymmetry is a result of the interplay of strain and confinement induces octahedral rotations and distortions and altered covalency in the bonding across the interfacial Ni-O-Al apical oxygen, leading to a charge disporportionation at the Ni sites for tensile strain.

4 pages. 5 figures

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• Modifying the Electronic Orbitals of Nickelate Heterostructures Via Structural Distortions
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• Evidence for resonant scattering of electrons by spin fluctuations in $LaNi{O}_3/LaAl{O}_3$ heterostructures grown by pulsed laser deposition
• Scaling like behaviour of resistivity observed in LaNiO_3 thin films grown on SrTiO_3 substrate by pulsed laser deposition
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