Strain-driven self-assembled network of antidots in complex oxide thin films.

Structural strain due to lattice mismatch is used to promote the formation of a self-assembled network of antidots in highly epitaxial La(2/3)Sr(1/3)MnO(3) thin films grown on (001) oriented SrTiO(3) substrates by radiofrequency magnetron sputtering. Size, depth, and separation between antidots can be controlled by changing deposition parameters and the miscut angle of the substrate. This morphology exhibits a remarkable magnetic anisotropy and offers unique opportunities for versatile nanostencils for the preparation of nano-object networks that can be of major relevance for the fabrication of oxide-based magnetic and magnetoelectronic devices.