Two-dimensional electron systems and interfacial coupling in LaCrO3/KTaO3 heterostructures

Abstract

The strong interfacial coupling at the 3d-5d transition metal-oxide interfaces has generated excitement due to the possibility of engineering a wide range of quantum phenomena and functionalities. Here, we investigate the electronic interfacial coupling and structural properties of LaCrO3/KTaO3 heterostructures. High-quality LaCrO3 films were grown on KTaO3 substrates using molecular beam epitaxy. These heterostructures show a robust two-dimensional electron gas and a metallic behavior down to liquid helium temperature. Using magnetoresistance measurements, we analyze the coupling of electronic orders between Cr 3d and Ta 5d states and observe signatures of weak anti-localization and Kondo scattering at low-temperature transport. The results provide direct evidence that a crossover (weak anti-localization to Kondo) occurs with increasing temperature as the dephasing scattering events reduce the coherence length. Our observations allow for a clear and detailed picture of two distinct quantum corrections to conductivity at low temperature.