MBE growth and characterization of A-site deficient, low-field magnetoresistance (Pr1−Sr ) MnO3− oriented thin films

We report on the growth and structural, electrical and magnetotransport characteristics of epitaxial manganese perovskite (Pr 1-x Sr x ) y MnO 3-δ (PSMO) thin films by oxygen plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Special attention was given to the non-stoichiometric phase, which exhibits interesting properties such as different phase transition temperatures and marked low field magnetoresistance. Under appropriate growth conditions, 2D step-flow growth mode has been realized with super smooth film surfaces. The structure characterization and magnetoresistance properties were studied and analyzed.