HAADF-STEM analysis of layered double perovskite La(2)CuSnO(6) grown epitaxially.

Structural observation of layered double perovskite oxide La(2)CuSnO(6) thin films grown epitaxially on SrTiO(3) is reported by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). Particularly the transition layer at the interface was observed, and the first B site layer at the interface was found to be almost formed by the Cu atomic layer as the random structure, followed by formation of the layered structure. In addition, HAADF-STEM images indicate that the thin film is not single crystalline, but some irregular structures were observed to grow around the interface near atomic steps of the substrate of SrTiO(3). Therefore, the steps largely affect the growth process of the thin film.