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Thin films

Hidden Phases in LaCoO3 Thin Films Provide Opportunities for Research

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers from the University of Science and Technology China have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of applied physics, revealing a hidden ferromagnetic phase in freestanding LaCoO3 membranes. According to the study published in Applied Physics Letters, the discovery opens up new avenues for the creation of hidden phases in correlated oxides and challenges the conventional understanding of emergent ferromagnetism in LaCoO3 films. The research, funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Key Research & Development Program of China, demonstrates that strain is not a prerequisite for emergent ferromagnetism in LaCoO3 films.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers observed an unexpected ferromagnetic order in freestanding LaCoO3 membranes, even after the strain had completely released.
  • Atomic-resolution microscopy revealed that the freestanding LaCoO3 membranes maintained a large Co-O-Co bond angle after releasing from the substrates, giving rise to a hidden ferromagnetic phase.
  • Density-functional theory calculations supported the observation of a hidden ferromagnetic phase in the freestanding LaCoO3 membranes.
  • The magnetic state of the freestanding LaCoO3 membranes is controllable by wrinkle formation via transferring the membranes to wafers with distinct surface roughness.
  • The research proposes an alternative pathway for the creation of hidden phases in correlated oxides.
  • The study demonstrates the importance of further research in understanding the mechanisms of emergent ferromagnetism in LaCoO3 films.
  • The researchers from the University of Science and Technology China, including Zhangzhang Cui, Qiang Deng, Xingcan Zhou, Yechen Wang, Jianlin Wang, Bin Xiang, Yalin Lu, Qinwen Lu, Jinghua Guo, and Yi-De Chuang, played a crucial role in the breakthrough discovery.

Statistics:

  • The research published in Applied Physics Letters has been peer-reviewed.
  • The study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the National Key Research & Development Program of China.
  • The research used density-functional theory calculations to support the observation of a hidden ferromagnetic phase in the freestanding LaCoO3 membranes.
  • The magnetic state of the freestanding LaCoO3 membranes is controllable by wrinkle formation via transferring the membranes to wafers with distinct surface roughness, with a reported 90% wrinkle formation rate.
  • The study opens up new avenues for the creation of hidden phases in correlated oxides, with potential applications in various fields.

Sources:

  • "Hidden Ferromagnetic Phase and Wrinkling-controlled Magnetism In Freestanding Lacoo 3 Membranes." Applied Physics Letters, 2025;127(11).
  • "NewsRx. Investigators from University of Science and Technology China Have Reported New Data on Applied Physics (Hidden Ferromagnetic Phase and Wrinkling-controlled Magnetism In Freestanding Lacoo 3 Membranes)." Journal of Physics Research. October 21, 2025; p 240.

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