Abstract

Abstract In spite of the interest in the two-dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) experimentally found at surfaces and interfaces, important uncertainties remain about the observed insulator–metal transitions (IMTs). Here we show how an explicit pseudo-proper coupling of carrier sources with a relevant soft mode significantly affects the transition. The analysis presented here for 2DEGs at polar interfaces is based on group theory, Landau–Ginzburg theory, and illustrated with first-principles calculations for the prototypical case of the LaAlO 3 / SrTiO 3 interface, for which such a structural transition has recently been observed. This direct coupling implies that the appearance of the soft mode is always accompanied by carriers. For sufficiently strong coupling an avalanche-like first-order IMT is predicted.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.