Electron-beam-induced Perovskite-Brownmillerite-Perovskite structural phase transitions in epitaxial La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 films.

Structural phase transitions driven by oxygen-vacancy ordering can drastically affect the properties of transition metal oxides. The focused electron beam of a transmission electron microscope (TEM) can be used to control structural phase transitions in epitaxial La2/3Sr1/3MnO3. The ability to induce and characterize oxygen-deficient structural phases simultaneously in a continuous and controllable manner opens up new pathways for atomic-scale studies of transition metal oxides and other complex materials.