Tunable electronic properties of κ-(Al, In)2O3/Ga2O3 digital alloys via superlattice design

κ-Ga2O3-based digital-alloy superlattices offer a promising alternative to traditional random alloys for high performance heterostructure devices. Using density functional theory, we model (Al2O3/κ-Ga2O3) and (In2O3/κ-Ga2O3) superlattices with varying monolayer (ML) thicknesses (1 ML/3 ML, 2 ML/2 ML, and 3 ML/1 ML). Our calculations reveal precise tuning of lattice parameters and bandgaps dependent on layer thickness. The incorporation of Al2O3 introduces tensile strain and widens bandgap up to 6.65 eV, while In2O3-rich structures exhibit compressive strain with bandgap reduction down to 3.32 eV. Element-projected band structures confirm quantum confinement effects and interfacial contributions to electronic states. Notably, intersubband transition energies are controllable via ML thickness, enabling absorption in the telecom-compatible wavelength range (∼1.55 μm). Band alignment analysis reveals significant conduction band offsets (up to 3.71 eV for Al2O3/Ga2O3), which is vital for polarization-induced 2DEG (two-dimensional electron gas) formation. This work demonstrates the feasibility of κ-Ga2O3 digital-alloy superlattices for tailored high-electron-mobility transistors and quantum-well infrared photodetectors.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Applied Physics
Published
2026-03-23
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0317487
Primary Topic
Ga2O3 and related materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Tunable electronic properties of κ-(Al, In)2O3/Ga2O3 digital alloys via superlattice design

Zihang Huang, Guosong Zeng, Yizhang Guan, Chee‐Keong Tan et al.
Journal of Applied Physics
Ga2O3 and related materials
article

Tunable electronic properties of κ-(Al, In)2O3/Ga2O3 digital alloys via superlattice design

Zihang Huang, Guosong Zeng, Yizhang Guan, Chee‐Keong Tan, Jie Xue, Zhigao Xie, Jiahe Cao, Yan Wang
article en

Abstract

κ-Ga2O3-based digital-alloy superlattices offer a promising alternative to traditional random alloys for high performance heterostructure devices. Using density functional theory, we model (Al2O3/κ-Ga2O3) and (In2O3/κ-Ga2O3) superlattices with varying monolayer (ML) thicknesses (1 ML/3 ML, 2 ML/2 ML, and 3 ML/1 ML). Our calculations reveal precise tuning of lattice parameters and bandgaps dependent on layer thickness. The incorporation of Al2O3 introduces tensile strain and widens bandgap up to 6.65 eV, while In2O3-rich structures exhibit compressive strain with bandgap reduction down to 3.32 eV. Element-projected band structures confirm quantum confinement effects and interfacial contributions to electronic states. Notably, intersubband transition energies are controllable via ML thickness, enabling absorption in the telecom-compatible wavelength range (∼1.55 μm). Band alignment analysis reveals significant conduction band offsets (up to 3.71 eV for Al2O3/Ga2O3), which is vital for polarization-induced 2DEG (two-dimensional electron gas) formation. This work demonstrates the feasibility of κ-Ga2O3 digital-alloy superlattices for tailored high-electron-mobility transistors and quantum-well infrared photodetectors.

Journal of Applied PhysicsVol. 139(12)
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HK), Southern University of Science and Technology (CN), Guangzhou University (CN), Guangzhou Municipal Engineering Design and Research Institute (CN), University of Hong Kong (HK)
Openalex Percentile: Top 13%
Ga2O3 and related materials
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.