Structural, topographical and magnetic properties of GdMnO3 films on the epitaxial and non-epitaxial substrates: SrTiO3 and Quartz.

GdMnO 3 (GMO) thin films were deposited on (100) oriented SrTiO 3 (STO) and Quartz substrates, by RF Magnetron Sputtering. A film thickness of 320–330 nm was optimized to understand the intriguing role of both substrates on the structural, topographical and magnetic properties of GMO. Orthorhombic phase of GMO is confirmed on both the STO and Quartz substrates. Uniform plane growth is observed in the (100) direction of STO, whereas a polycrystalline feature with an island growth is observed on the Quartz substrate. GMO deposited on both the substrates shows canted antiferromagnetism at ∼25 K and a paramagnetic-antiferromagnetic transition at T N ∼47 K. But a cusp representing spin glass transition is observed in GMO coated on Quartz substrate at low temperature ZFC measurements. • GdMnO 3 films were deposited successfully on SrTiO 3 and Quartz substrates via RF magnetron sputtering. • Structural studies confirm the polycrystalline growth of deposited GdMnO 3 on Quartz and the topographic images show smooth surfaces with small island like grains for both the film. • GdMnO 3 thin film shows antiferromagnetism at ∼25 K and paramagnetic-antiferromagnetic transition at TN ∼47 K for both the film. • The SQUID – VSM study on GdMnO 3 /Quartz films reveals a cusp representing the spin glass transition, which is absent in the case of GdMnO 3 /SrTiO 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]