Optical properties and characterization of oxide thin films and heterostructures

Optical spectroscopy is an indispensable tool in studying the physical properties of transition metal oxides (TMOs). The spectroscopic data obtained using various optical techniques provide quantitative information on the electronic structure of materials, including band gaps and electrodynamic quantities. This chapter introduces the concept of optical spectroscopy applied to TMO thin films and heterostructures with fascinating emergent physical properties. It also explains new spectroscopic approaches which combine synthesis and operando optical characterizations under controlled environments. Examples of practical applications of optical spectroscopy with various classes of complex oxide heterostructures are presented.