Growth atomic mechanisms of pulsed laser deposited La modified- $\mathsf{PbTiO_3}$ perovskites

The microstructure and morphology of 100/001-oriented La modified-PbTiO₃ (PLT) films grown by pulsed laser deposition have been analyzed and elucidated within the framework of morphology evolution models, such as the Dynamic Scaling Theory and Structure Zone Model. The experimental results were obtained from X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and cross-section scanning electron microscopy. PLT grows with a compact columnar microstructure. The columns are formed by coherently grouped grains and show oblique walls and rounded tops. Connecting the experimental results with the morphology evolution models, the growth mechanisms involved in the deposition process were identified. While inside each column, the existing Pb vacancies govern the coarsening and coalescence of the grains, a non-local effect of geometric shadowing of the incident particle flux during growth controls competition between columns and their coarsening.Received: 18 June 2003, Published online: 22 September 2003PACS: 68.55.-a Thin film structure and morphology - 81.15.Fg Laser deposition - 77.84.Dy Niobates, titanates, tantalates, PZT ceramics, etc.E. Vasco: Current address: Institut für Festkörperforschung, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, GermanyC. Polop: Current address: I. Physikalisches Institut, RWTH-Aachen, 52056 Aachen, Germany