Surface stoichiometry of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 during in vacuo preparation; A synchrotron photoemission study

► We study the surface modification of LSMO thin films during preparation. ► A strontium rich and manganese depleted surface region is observed. ► A thorough search for contaminants is reported. ► Reports of a magnetically “dead-layer” are explained by this modified surface region.