Atomic Structure of Polar Surface in SrTiO3

Abstract: Rearrangement of atoms due to broken translational symmetries at the surface of SrTiO$_3$ is scarcely debatable in the present day scenario. Actual concern demands to unveil the true structure and precise mechanism responsible for atomic reconstructions at a unit cell level. Here, we reveal the atomic structure of SrTiO$_3$ surface by using annular bright field imaging in spherical aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscope. We measure structural parameters such as lattice constant, bond length, atomic displacement and subsequently we find a polarization for the top five unit cells is ~10-20 uCcm$^{-2}$. Both Sr-O and Ti-O planes reconstruct thus contribute to net dipole moment that is towards surface. Elongation of the out of plane lattice for skin layers is also witnessed. The electron energy loss spectroscopy experiment illustrates the presence of oxygen vacancies at the surface which seems to be largely responsible for the stability of surface polarization. Our study provides a sound foundation into mechanistic understanding for structure and properties of surfaces for complex oxides. These outcomes can be considered as a pragmatic boost particularly for examining other insulator-like materials as well as in bridging gap for hitherto fewer experimental investigation along with various theoretical studies.