Impedance spectra of Fe-doped SrTiO3 thin films upon bias voltage: inductive loops as a trace of ion motion

Mass and charge transport properties of slightly Fe-doped SrTiO3 (Fe:STO) thin films on a conducting substrate were investigated by means of impedance spectroscopy under different bias voltages and I–V measurements with varying scan rates. At measurement temperatures between 325 °C and 700 °C the applied bias voltage caused an unusual “inductive loop” in the low frequency range of impedance spectra. DC measurements showed that current–voltage curves strongly depend on the scan rate, indicating that different states of the sample became accessible to probe. Both findings can be understood in terms of bias induced ion motion, i.e. by stoichiometry polarization within the Fe:STO thin films upon voltage. Hence, the appearance of an “inductive loop” in the impedance spectra is considered a very general feature that might exist for many materials, particularly in oxide thin films. It may indicate ion motion and stoichiometry variations taking place in the corresponding frequency range.