Proposal of a one-dimensional electron gas in the steps at the LaAlO$_3$-SrTiO$_3$ interface

N. C. Bristowe, T. Fix, M. G. Blamire, P. B. Littlewood, Emilio Artacho

Published 2011-11-26Version 1

The two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the interface between LaAlO$_3$ (LAO) and SrTiO$_3$ (STO) has become one of the most fascinating and highly-debated oxide systems of recent times. Here we propose that a one-dimensional electron gas (1DEG) can be engineered at the step edges of the LAO/STO interface. These predictions are supported by first principles calculations and electrostatic modeling which elucidate the origin of the 1DEG as an electronic reconstruction to compensate a net surface charge in the step edge. The results suggest a novel route to increasing the functional density in these electronic interfaces.