January 24, 2013

Symmetry breaking at surfaces holds the clues for electron filling

symmetry

D. Pesquera, G. Herranz, A. Barla, E. Pellegrin, F. Bondino, E. Magnano, F. Sánchez , J. Fontcuberta

Nature Comm. 13 Nov. 2012, DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2189

 

 

Electron occupancy at atomic orbitals of metal ions in solids results from the crystalline field acting on the atoms. Strain acting on films allow to modify it. Here, we show that the disruptive contribution of surfaces makes an important role and ultimately determines the electron filling at orbitals at surfaces. The corresponding phisicochemical properties largey depend on this balance.

 

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