Strain-induced changes on the RIXS spectrum of nickelate thin film

Infinite-layer nickelates are materials of increasing interest to the RIXS community. The presence of unconventional superconductivity on the thin films makes these materials 2D analogs of the cuprates. However, important differences exist, one of them being the layer interface proximity properties, which can result, for example, in different substrate-induced strains. The understanding of these properties can lead to material design for applications, by manipulating layers and proximity effects. For this experiment, we will use the Razorbill Ultraminiature UHV strain cell on the measurement of the spectroscopic signatures of Ni L3 edge for a PrNiO2 (PNO) thin film, focusing on the strain dependency of dd excitation and magnon. We will apply ex-situ strain and perform momentum, high symmetry direction, and strain dependency studies.