One-dimensional electron gas in strained lateral heterostructures of single layer materials

TL;DR

This paper proposes a theory for one-dimensional electron gases in strained lateral heterostructures of single-layer materials, demonstrating how strain-induced polarization discontinuities can create 1DEGs, verified by first-principles calculations.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive theory for electric field profiles in strained 2D heterojunctions, enabling engineering of 1DEGs in single-layer materials.

Findings

The theory accurately predicts electric field profiles in heterostructures.

Strain-induced polarization discontinuities can be used to engineer 1DEGs.

First-principles calculations confirm the theoretical predictions.

Abstract

Confinement of the electron gas along one of the spatial directions opens an avenue for studying fundamentals of quantum transport along the side of numerous practical electronic applications, with high-electron-mobility transistors being a prominent example. A heterojunction of two materials with dissimilar electronic polarisation can be used for engineering of the conducting channel. Extension of this concept to single-layer materials leads to one-dimensional electron gas (1DEG). MoS2/WS2 lateral heterostructure is used as a prototype for the realisation of 1DEG. The electronic polarisation discontinuity is achieved by straining the heterojunction taking advantage of dissimilarities in the piezoelectric coupling between MoS2 and WS2. A complete theory that describes an induced electric field profile in lateral heterojunctions of two-dimensional materials is proposed and verified by first principle calculations.