Abstract
Epitaxial oxide interfaces with broken translational symmetry have emerged as a central paradigm behind the novel behaviors of oxide superlattices. Here, we use scanning transmission electron microscopy to demonstrate a direct, quantitative unit-cell-by-unit-cell mapping of lattice parameters and oxygen octahedral rotations across the interface to elucidate how the change of crystal symmetry is accommodated. Combined with low-loss electron energy loss spectroscopy imaging, we demonstrate a mesoscopic antiferrodistortive phase transition near the interface in and elucidate associated changes in electronic properties in a thin layer directly adjacent to the interface.
- Received 10 February 2010
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.105.087204
© 2010 The American Physical Society