Theory of Manganite Superlattice

Abstract

A theoretical model is proposed for the (0,0,1) superlattice manganite system (LaMnO$_3$)$_n$(SrMnO$_3$)$_m$. The model includes the electron-electron, electron-phonon, and cooperative Jahn-Teller interactions. It is solved using a version of single-site the dynamical mean field approximation generalized to incorporate the cooperative Jahn-Teller effect. The phase diagram and conductivities are calculated. The behavior of the superlattice is found to a good approximation to be an average over the density-dependent properties of individual layers, with the density of each layer fixed by electrostatics.

9 figures, 22 pages