Self-assembly of correlated (Ti, V)O2 superlattices with tunable lamella periods by kinetically enhanced spinodal decomposition

• DOI: 10.1038/s41427-019-0132-z
• Publication Date: 2019-06-27T23:04:24Z
• Authors: Jaeseoung Park; Gi-Yeop Kim; Kyung Song; Si-Young Choi; Junwoo Son
• Keywords: Spinodal decomposition; Spinodal; Lamella (surface anatomy)

Abstract Spinodal decomposition, the spontaneous phase separation process of periodic lamellae at nanometer scale, correlated oxide ((Ti, V)O 2 ) systems offers a sophisticated route to achieve new class mesoscale structures in form self-assembled superlattices for possible applications using steep metal–insulator transitions. Here, we tunable self-assembly (Ti, with transitions (Δ T MI < 5 K) by spinodal decomposition accurate control growth parameters without conventional layer-by-layer growth. Abrupt compositional modulation alternating Ti-rich and V-rich layers spontaneously occurs along direction because in-plane lattice mismatch is smaller this than other directions. An increase film rate thickens lamellae; can be kinetically enhanced adatom impingement during two-dimensional growth, demonstrating that interplay between mass transport uphill diffusion yields highly lamellar periods. Our results creating provide bottom-up strategy design rutile nanostructures present opportunities material platforms electronic photonic systems.