Synthesis and characterization of thin films of a half-metallic oxide, Sr₂FeMoO₆, by combinatorial techniques

The ordered double perovskite oxide, Sr₂FeMoO₆, has a half-metallic property and is considered as one of the best materials for creating spinpolarized current for next-generation spintronics devices. In order to optimize the fabrication conditions for (001)-oriented single-crystalline Sr₂FeMoO₆ thin films, a combinatorial pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique, together with combinatorial (high-throughput) characterization, were carried out. It is found that atmospheric pressure during the deposition affects the formation of secondary phases, thus careful control of this parameter is necessary. On the other hand, substrate temperature affects the electric transport property and surface flatness; better results are obtained at a higher substrate temperature.