Conducting Oxide Interfaces

Probing the local transport properties of two-dimensional electron systems (2DES) confined at buried interfaces requires a non-invasive technique with a high spatial resolution operating in a broad temperature range. In this paper uses cryo s-SNOM as a tool for studying the conducting LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface from room temperature down to 6o?K. The s-SNOM signal, in particular its phase component, is highly sensitive to the transport properties of the electron system present at the interface.

cryo s-SNOM technology in combination with electrostatic gating provides novel application potential in phase separation and charge inhomogeneities due to ferroelectric domain walls, metal-insulator transitions and other emergent phenomena in a large family of 2D oxide interfaces.

This measurement was realized with the cryo-neaSCOPE+xs.