Finite size effect and phase diagram of ultra-thin La0.7Sr0.3MnO3

La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) ultra-thin films have been grown by pulsed laser deposition in conditions optimized for cation stoichiometry and bulk-like physical properties in the thick limit. Through electrical transport and magnetic measurements, a phase diagram is constructed as a function of film thickness. With decreasing thickness, the LSMO films cross over at high temperatures from a paramagnetic metal to a paramagnetic insulator, and at low temperatures from a ferromagnetic metal to a ferromagnetic insulator, in close similarity to that observed for varying the electronic bandwidth in bulk manganites. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.