DC Leakage behavior and Conduction Mechanism in (BiFeO3)m(SrTiO3)m Superlattices

TL;DR

This study investigates the leakage current mechanisms in (BiFeO3)m(SrTiO3)m superlattices across a temperature range, identifying dominant conduction processes and their activation energies to inform device interface engineering.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of leakage conduction mechanisms in superlattices, highlighting the transition from Poole-Frenkel to space charge limited conduction with temperature.

Findings

Poole-Frenkel emission dominates at 303-383K

Space charge limited conduction occurs up to 473K

Activation energies range from 0.06 to 0.2 eV

Abstract

Leakage current behavior of (BiFeO3)m(SrTiO3)m superlattice structures was studied and analyzed at different temperatures (303-473K) in the light of various models. While bulk limited Poole-Frenkel emission was observed to dominate the leakage current in the temperature range of 303 - 383 K, the space charge limited conduction was observed up to 473 K. With a Poole-Frenkel emission type of conduction, the activation energy range of 0.06 - 0.2 eV was calculated. The physical parameters, calculated from the analysis correlates with the intrinsic properties. The analysis of leakage current facilitates, interface engineering of heterostructures for device applications.