Raman imaging of ferroelastically configurable Jahn–Teller domains in LaMnO3

Abstract The Jahn–Teller (JT) effect, through geometric deformation of molecules or local ionic lattices, lowers the overall energy system by removing electron degeneracy from partially occupied orbitals. Crystal symmetry lowered JT distortion inevitably creates multiple variants elastic and orbital-anisotropic states. Visualization control domain/wall textures create a cornerstone to understand various correlated phenomena explore wall properties. Here, we report real-space observation phonon orbiton-related domains in LaMnO 3 thin film using confocal Raman spectromicroscopy. characteristic symmetries JT-originated modes allow us detect visualize population orientation planes. Combined with crystal structural analysis, find that formation ferroelastic W W’ walls provides basic framework for understanding domain textures. Furthermore, demonstrate can be manipulated applying external stress. Our findings provide useful pathway mechanically-tunable orbitronic applications.