Influence of 100 MeV Au ion irradiation induced local structure modifications on magnetic properties of epitaxial PrVO3 thin films

Swift heavy ion irradiation provides a unique way to manipulate the local structure and to tailor the spin-orbital-lattice degrees of freedom in transition metal oxide thin films. However, predicting the modifications induced by swift heavy ion irradiation is challenging due to the complex interplay of various energy scales involved. In this study, we investigate the modulation of magnetic properties in epitaxial PrVO3 thin films through swift heavy ion irradiation. PrVO3 film was deposited on LaAlO3 substrate by Pulsed Laser Deposition technique and subjected to 100 MeV Au ion irradiation at various fluences, leading to observable changes in their magnetic behaviour. Strain induced by the irradiation was found to cause structural distortions, evidenced by a decrease in V-V bond lengths and an increase in V-O bond lengths, as revealed by XRD and EXAFS spectroscopy. These distortions affected the superexchange interactions and notably increased the Néel temperature. Surface analysis by XANES at the V L3,2 edge identified a higher concentration of V4+ ions on the surface, with V3+ ions predominating in the bulk of the thin film, while the V 3d electronic structure remain unaffected by irradiation. Magnetic measurements displayed distinct hard and soft ferromagnetic characteristics within the hysteresis loops; the enhancement in saturation magnetization due to irradiation is attributed to the combined effects of swift heavy ion-induced spin alignment along the ion trajectories, and the contributions of Pr3+ and V3+ moments. The findings suggest that ion irradiation is a viable tool for engineering the magnetic properties of perovskite oxide films, which may have significant implications for the development of spintronic devices. [Display omitted] •Swift heavy ion irradiation induces strain in PrVO3 thin films, causing structural distortions and enhancing Néel temperature.•XANES reveals increased surface V⁴⁺ ions, bulk V³⁺ dominance, and an unaffected V 3d electronic structure after irradiation.•Magnetic measurements show distinct hard and soft ferromagnetic behavior within hysteresis loops.•Enhanced magnetization is due to ion-induced spin alignment along trajectories and contributions from Pr3+ and V3+ moments.