Precise control of $J_{\mathrm{eff}}=1/2$ magnetic properties in Sr${}_2$IrO${}_4$ epitaxial thin films by variation of strain and thin film thickness

Abstract

We report on a comprehensive investigation of the effects of strain and film thickness on the structural and magnetic properties of epitaxial thin films of the prototypal $J_{\mathrm{eff}}=1/2$ compound Sr${}_2$IrO${}_4$ by advanced X-ray scattering. We find that the Sr${}_2$IrO${}_4$ thin films can be grown fully strained up to a thickness of 108 nm. By using X-ray resonant scattering, we show that the out-of-plane magnetic correlation length is strongly dependent on the thin film thickness, but independent of the strain state of the thin films. This can be used as a finely tuned dial to adjust the out-of-plane magnetic correlation length and transform the magnetic anisotropy from two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D) behavior by incrementing film thickness. These results provide a clearer picture for the systematic control of the magnetic degrees of freedom in epitaxial thin films of Sr${}_2$IrO${}_4$ and bring to light the potential for a rich playground to explore the physics of $5d$-transition metal compounds.