Physical properties of La0.7Ba0.3MnO3−δ complex oxide thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition technique

We report on transport properties of oxide manganite La0.7Ba0.3MnO3−δ (LBMO) thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. Detailed analysis of heavy-ion stoichiometric composition has been carried out as a function of laser-pulse fluence and ambient oxygen pressure. Depositions using high-fluence (6 J/cm2) and low oxygen pressure (10−2 mbar) provide the optimal heavy-ion stoichiometric ratio in the LBMO samples. Deviations from the optimal LBMO stoichiometry are observed when decreasing the laser fluence or increasing the background oxygen pressure. This behavior is interpreted by considering the influence of the experimental deposition conditions on the plume dynamics. All these findings provide clear insights on the PLD-growth of manganites and, more in general, of complex oxide materials.