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
- Zihang Huang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3159-7337)
- Guosong Zeng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5626-8300)
- Yizhang Guan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6463-4429)
- Chee‐Keong Tan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1776-4491)
- Jie Xue (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0072-5672)
- Zhigao Xie
- Jiahe Cao
- Yan Wang
Institutions
- 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)
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