Band alignment at Cu2O/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 interface: A combined experimental-theoretical determination

Cantoni M;Petti D;Bertacco R;Pallecchi I;Marre D;Colizzi G;FILIPPETTI, ALESSIO;FIORENTINI, VINCENZO

2010-01-01

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Abstract

Cu2O/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 is a promising heterostructure for the realization of all-oxide spintronics devices, with La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) and Cu2O playing the roles of ferromagnet and semiconductor, respectively. Here we use x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and first principles calculations to determine the valence band offset at the Cu2O/LSMO interface. The interface band alignment is typical of a p-type semiconductor/metal contact, with an interface barrier of 0.3-0.5 eV depending on Cu2O thickness. The calculated energetics indicates that the prevailing interface is between SrO-terminated LSMO and Cu planes of Cu2O. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3467206]