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Atomic Lattice and Electronic Structure of Superconducting Nickelate Thin Films

ORAL

Abstract

The stabilization of superconducting infinite-layer nickelate thin films [1,2] presents a long-awaited platform for experimental comparison to the analogous cuprate superconductors and exploration of the underlying physical mechanisms. Unlike the bulk-synthesized cuprates, however, the thin film geometry of the superconducting nickelates motivates both structural and electronic characterization with high real-space resolution. Here, we harness atomic-scale scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and localized electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) to explore both the lattice and electronic structure across a wide series of nickelate thin films. Combining high spatial and energy resolution, we spectroscopically reveal key electronic differences with the cuprate superconductors [3]. We also explore the role of the substrate with quantitative structural analysis.

1. Li, D. et al. Nature 572, 624 (2019).
2. Osada, M. et al. Nano Lett. 20, 5735 (2020).
3. Goodge, B. H. et al. arXiv:2005.02847 (2020).

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Presenters

  • Berit Goodge

    Cornell University

Authors

  • Berit Goodge

    Cornell University

  • Danfeng Li

    Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, SLAC - Natl Accelerator Lab, Stanford Univ, Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University

  • Kyuho Lee

    Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, SLAC - Natl Accelerator Lab, Stanford Univ, Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University

  • Motoki Osada

    Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, SLAC - Natl Accelerator Lab, Stanford Univ, Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University

  • Bai Yang Wang

    Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, SLAC - Natl Accelerator Lab, Stanford Univ, Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University

  • Harold Hwang

    Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, SLAC - Natl Accelerator Lab, Stanford Univ, Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, Standford University, Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, SIMES, SLAC, Applied Physics, Stanford University

  • Lena Fitting Kourkoutis

    School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Cornell University