Role of strain and microstructure in chemical solution deposited La0.7Pb0.3MnO3 manganite films: Thickness dependent swift heavy ions irradiation studies

Owing to the higher magnetic transition temperature (TC), above RT and large magnetoresistance (MR) exhibited by La0.7Pb0.3MnO3 (LPMO) manganite, we have carried out the studies on the effect of 200 MeV Ag+15 ion irradiation on LPMO films. It is interesting to note that, the modifications in the surface grain morphology and roughness in higher thickness (>200 nm) LPMO films, due to irradiation, affects the transport and magnetotransport, in a prominent manner, which has been understood in the light of enhancement in the scattering of charge carriers. The results of the structural, microstructural, transport and magnetotransport properties of pristine and irradiated LPMO films (150–350 nm) have been discussed in this communication.

► Chemical solution deposition (CSD) technique is low cost, simple and easy to handle.
► Prominent strain effect in lower thickness manganite films.
► Microstructural changes with thickness modify the transport in the manganite films.
► Modifications in the properties of manganite films due to swift heavy ion irradiation.
► On SHI irradiation, improvement in temperature and field sensitivity