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The origin of two-dimensional electron gases at oxide interfaces: insights from theory

Bristowe, N. C., Ghosez, Philippe, Littlewood, P. B., Artacho, Emilio (2014) The origin of two-dimensional electron gases at oxide interfaces: insights from theory. Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter, 26 (14). pp. 143201-143221. ISSN 0953-8984. (doi:10.1088/0953-8984/26/14/143201) (KAR id:60256)

Abstract

The response of oxide thin films to polar discontinuities at interfaces and surfaces has generated enormous activity due to the variety of interesting effects that it gives rise to. A case in point is the discovery of the electron gas at the interface between LaAlO3 and SrTiO3, which has since been shown to be quasi-two-dimensional, switchable, magnetic and/or superconducting. Despite these findings, the origin of the two-dimensional electron gas is highly debated and several possible mechanisms remain. Here we review the main proposed mechanisms and attempt to model expected effects in a quantitative way with the ambition of better constraining what effects can/cannot explain the observed phenomenology. We do it in the framework of a phenomenological model constructed to provide an understanding of the electronic and/or redox screening of the chemical charge in oxide heterostructures. We also discuss the effect of intermixing, both conserving and not conserving the total stoichiometry.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1088/0953-8984/26/14/143201
Uncontrolled keywords: oxide interfaces and surfaces; polar discontinuity; two-dimensional electron gas; lanthanum aluminate; strontium titanate; net charge; charge screening mechanisms
Subjects: Q Science > QC Physics > QC173.45 Condensed Matter
Q Science > QC Physics > QC176 Solid state physics
Q Science > QD Chemistry > QD478 Solid State Chemistry
Q Science > QC Physics > QC176.8.N35 Nanoscience, nanotechnology
Q Science > QD Chemistry > QD473 Physical properties in relation to structure
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Physics and Astronomy
Depositing User: Nicholas Bristowe
Date Deposited: 21 Feb 2017 16:15 UTC
Last Modified: 09 Dec 2022 05:08 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/60256 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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