A generalized 3D elastic model for nanoscale, self-assembled oxide-metal thin films with pillar-in-matrix configurations

In recent years, functional oxide-metal based vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN) thin films have gained interest due to their intriguing physical properties and multifunctionalities stemming from the complex interactions between two phases in film substrate. this work, we develop a model for studying energetics of these systems, including effects both lattice mismatch capillary forces interface curvature. Each phase is incorporated into using indicator function, introduce as body vector density representation interface. The implemented finite element method study deformation which composed Au nanopillars embedded La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) matrix on an SrTiO3 (STO) results suggest that total energy lowest random configurations pillars compared ordered square hexagonal configurations, consistent with distribution found experiments. Furthermore, find interfacial dominates each configuration, suggesting system important design parameter growth, along mismatch.