Novel electronic and magnetic properties of La0.5Ca0.5MnO3 films deposited on (1 1 1) SrTiO3 substrates

La0.5Ca0.5MnO3 films of various thicknesses were epitaxially grown on (1 1 1) SrTiO3 substrates by the pulsed laser deposition technique. Electronic and magnetic properties of the films deviate considerably from the bulk material; enhancement of electrical conductivity and drastically enlarged magnetic moment (relative to bulk value) are observed although the identified orientational relationship as revealed by X-ray diffraction technique indicates tensile epitaxial stain. Transport properties were found to depend strongly on film thickness. These results were discussed in terms of the orientation of the epitaxial strain with respect to the La0.5Ca0.5MnO3 unit cell, distinguishing it from commonly used substrates.