Interface-enhanced defect absorption between epitaxial anatase TiO2 film and single crystal SrTiO3

The microstructural evolution of Ne-ion-irradiated anatase TiO2/SrTiO3 films was investigated. A defect denuded layer formed in the TiO2 film near the TiO2/SrTiO3 interface after irradiation. The accumulation of defects at the TiO2/SrTiO3 interface led to the formation of a continuous interfacial amorphous layer on SrTiO3. Both observations are attributed to the interaction of defects with the interface. Present results reveal that a hetero-epitaxial interface between two different oxides can act as an effective sink to absorb irradiation-induced defects.