Research at the European XFEL: Spectroscopy and coherent scattering research on dynamics of charge transfer across strongly-correlated oxide interfaces

By selectively pumping the SrTiO₃ layers with 266 nm ultrafast laser pulses, Teguh Citra Asmara from European XFEL triggered a dynamic transfer of photoelectrons across the interface from SrTiO₃ into the LaNiO₃ layers Spectroscopy & Coherent Scattering instrument (SCS). This charge transfer will dynamically change the transient electronic and magnetic states of LaNiO₃. This interfacial charge transfers are often the underlying mechanism behind many emergent interfacial phenomena such as metal-insulator, magnetic, and even superconducting transitions. The ability to dynamically trigger the charge transfer and control the LaNiO₃ electronic and magnetic states on ultrafast time scales will make this LaNiO₃/SrTiO₃ interface a highly promising candidate for novel ultrafast switching applications.