Mapping Band Alignment across Complex Oxide Heterointerfaces

Abstract

In this study, direct observation of the evolution of electronic structures across complex oxide interfaces has been revealed in the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 model system using cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. The conduction and valence band structures across the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface are spatially resolved at the atomic level by measuring the local density of states. This study directly maps out the electronic reconstructions and a built-in electric field in the polar LaAlO3 layer. Results also clearly reveal the band bending and the notched band structure in the SrTiO3 adjacent to the interface. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.246807