Exploring the phase diagram of La_xNd_1-xNiO₃ thin films

In this study we present a series of results on thin films of La_xNd_1-xNiO₃. The phase diagram spanned by this mixed nickelate compound extends from metallic, paramagnetic and rhombohedral LaNiO₃ for x = 1 to NdNiO₃, a orthorhombic perovskite with a metal-charge transfer insulator transition for x = 0.
The evolution of the structural and electronic properties are traced across this phase diagram in an effort to understand the onset of the metal-insulator transition for which the nickelate family has become so famous.