Orientation control and self-assembled nanopyramid structure of LaFeO3 films epitaxially grown on SrTiO3(001) substrates

Epitaxial films of LaFeO3 (LFO) were grown on SrTiO3 (001) (STO) substrates using pulsed laser deposition. Two epitaxial orientations were observed: alpha where LFO(110)parallel to STO(100) and beta where LFO(001)parallel to STO(100). By controlling the deposition conditions, LaFeO3 films could be grown with just the alpha orientation or with simultaneous alpha and beta orientations in which the film consisted of a self-assembled array of nanoscale beta pyramids embedded in a matrix of alpha. The microstructure and growth mechanism of the films and their exchange-bias with a Co overlayer are discussed. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3222912]