Electronic subbands in the a-LaAlO3/KTaO3 interface revealed by quantum oscillations in high magnetic fields

Abstract

Investigating Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillations in high magnetic fields, we experimentally infer the electronic band structure of the quasi-two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the ionic-liquid gated amorphous (a)-LaAlO3/KTaO3 interface. The angular dependence of SdH oscillations indicates a 2D confinement of a majority of electrons at the interface. However, additional SdH oscillations with an angle-independent frequency observed at high tilt angles indicate the coexistence of 3D charge carriers extending deep into the KTaO3. The SdH oscillations measured in magnetic fields perpendicular to the interface show four frequencies corresponding to four 2D subbands with different effective masses (0.20me-0.55me). The single-frequency oscillations originating from 3D electrons yields a larger effective mass of ∼0.70me. Overall, the inferred subbands are in good agreement with the theoretical calculations and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy studies on 2DEG at KTaO3 surface.