Surface defects and conduction in polar oxide heterostructures

Bristowe, N. C. and Littlewood, P. B. and Artacho, Emilio (2011) Surface defects and conduction in polar oxide heterostructures. Physical Review B (Condensed Matter and Materials Physics), 83 (20). p. 205405. DOI 10.1103/PhysRevB.83.205405

PDF Bristowe_et_al._-_2011_-_Surface_defects_and_conduction_in_polar_oxide_hete.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (307kB)

Abstract

The polar interface between LaAlO3 and SrTiO3 has shown promise as a field effect transistor, with reduced (nanoscale) feature sizes and potentially added functionality over conventional semiconductor systems. However, the mobility of the interfacial two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) is lower than desirable. Therefore to progress, the highly debated origin of the 2DEG must be understood. Here we present a case for surface redox reactions as the origin of the 2DEG, in particular surface O vacancies, using a model supported by first-principles calculations that describes the redox formation. In agreement with recent spectroscopic and transport measurements, we predict a stabilization of such redox processes (and hence Ti 3d occupation) with film thickness beyond a critical value, which can be smaller than the critical thickness for 2D electronic conduction, since the surface defects generate trapping potentials that will affect the interface electron mobility. Several other recent experimental results, such as lack of core-level broadening and shifts, find a natural explanation. Pristine systems will likely require changed growth conditions or modified materials with a higher vacancy free energy.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	2011AREP; IA63;
Subjects:	03 - Mineral Sciences
Divisions:	03 - Mineral Sciences
Journal or Publication Title:	Physical Review B (Condensed Matter and Materials Physics)
Volume:	83
Page Range:	p. 205405
Identification Number:	10.1103/PhysRevB.83.205405
Depositing User:	Sarah Humbert
Date Deposited:	19 Jul 2011 14:27
Last Modified:	23 Jul 2013 10:02
URI:	http://eprints.esc.cam.ac.uk/id/eprint/2118

Actions (login required)

View Item