InAs is renowned for narrow direct band gap,high electron mobility,and excellent photoresponse[
Journal of Infrared and Millimeter Waves, Volume. 42, Issue 5, 666(2023)
Research progress on first-principles calculations of interfacial charge transfer characteristics in InAs-based van der Waals heterojunctions
Vertical van der Waals heterostructures stacked by low-dimensional InAs materials and other two-dimensional layered materials have been widely applied in emerging fields such as nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, and quantum information. To comprehend their extraordinary device performance, it is crucial to explore the charge transfer mechanism across the junction interface. First-principles calculations play an indispensable role in revealing the intrinsic relationship between interfacial charge transfer characteristics and electrical, optical, and magnetic principle physical properties as well as device performance variations in various energetically stable InAs-based van der Waals heterojunctions. Recent theoretical research on interfacial charge transfer characteristics in InAs-based van der Waals heterostructures, as well as their potential for functional applications are combed, summarized, and discussed. Several avenues are proposed for the potent development of first-principles calculations in terms of theoretical methodology and calculation accuracy, providing a basis for quantitative research that can be leveraged to propel fundamental scientific studies and applied device designs of InAs-based van der Waals heterojunctions.
Introduction
InAs is renowned for narrow direct band gap,high electron mobility,and excellent photoresponse[
However,it is insufficient to perform systematic research on InAs-based vdW heterojunctions solely through experimentation. One major obstacle is the absence of perfect InAs-based vdW heterostructures,considering that completely flawless monolayer or bilayer InAs have not yet been fabricated in experiments. An additional ongoing problem is that traditional experimental methods often encounter limitations when it comes to considering defects on material surfaces or heterogeneous interfaces at the atomic and electronic levels[
There is no denying that vdW interactions related to heterogeneous interface configurations play a vital role in determining physical properties and device performance in vdW heterojunctions. Inspiringly,feasible,and reliable vdW models in FPC such as DFT-D[
This review presents the theoretical framework for recent research on InAs-based vdW heterojunctions using FPC,which focuses on exploring the interfacial charge transfer characteristics across InAs-based vdW heterojunctions and their impact on the principle physical properties and novel device mechanisms. As depicted in
Figure 1.First-principles calculations theoretical framework and current research hotspots in InAs-based vdW heterojunctions
1 Overview of computational methods
FPC is a powerful computational method based on the basic laws of quantum mechanics. Using well-defined physical constants as inputs,it solves the Schrödinger equations through a series of approximations and simplifications,providing significant insights into the fundamental causes of semiconductor material properties and device performance[
1.1 DFT
DFT has emerged as the preeminent method for computing semiconductor material properties in materials science and condensed matter physics[
1.2 LDA, GGA, and GW approximation
The accuracy and precision of DFT are significantly influenced by exchange-correlation functionals. In order of increasing complexity,LDA,GGA,and meta-GGA are presented. Of these,the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof GGA(GGA-PBE)exchange-correlation energy functional has been extensively employed in the analysis of both molecular and extended systems[
1.3 Hybrid functionals
Hybrid functionals,such as Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof(HSE06),have been demonstrated to possess remarkable accuracy in predicting electronic structure,band gaps,and magnetic moments and so on. Outstanding predictive capability arises from the partial incorporation of the exact exchange energy derived from the Hartree-Fock theory into the semi-local DFT exchange-correlation energy[
1.4 vdW models
Following the discussion of basic theory and exchange-correlation energy functionals in FPC,vdW models based on paired vdW potentials are introduced. Traditional LDA and GGA frequently ignore the long-range,non-local correlation vdW interactions[
1.5 Reproducibility in first-principles calculations
The widespread use of FPC has resulted in the development of numerous software and codes,each with its unique formalism. However,the common software and codes are capable of performing primary or advanced DFT and generating fundamentally consistent results[
1.6 Computational details in InAs-based vdW heterojunctions
To determine the optimal computational model,we conduct a meticulous comparison and analysis among computational details in InAs-based vdW heterojunctions,taking into account various factors such as accuracy,efficiency,and feasibility. The primary objective is to offer a valuable reference for future research endeavors on theoretical research in InAs-based vdW heterojunctions.
Conducting FPC to explore the electronic band structure,alongside the size and type of the band gap,is indispensable for acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental physical properties and device mechanisms in InAs vdW systems. From both theoretical and empirical observations of FPC,LDA and GGA tend to underestimate the actual band gap values of monolayer or bilayer InAs to some extent due to self-interaction[
In the case of InAs multilayers,sheets,or slabs,the band gaps calculated by Bayesian optimization U(BO)calculations decrease as the number of layers increases and eventually approach the bulk gap value of about 0.35 eV,signifying a layer-dependent characteristic[
Importantly,it is crucial to consider the long-range weak vdW interactions when performing FPC in InAs-based vdW heterojunctions[
2 InAs-based vdW heterostructure models
Recently,low-dimensional InAs-based materials have gained significant attention in the research community. Monolayer or bilayer InAs,as well as various stable InAs-based vdW heterostructures,have been obtained through energy minimization and geometrical optimization by FPC. Remarkably,the stability of these vdW heterostructures is highly influenced by variables related to interfacial vdW interactions. These findings respect a significant breakthrough in exploring abundant InAs-based vdW heterojunctions,paving the way for potential functional applications in InAs-based vdW heterostructures,leading to significant technological advancements in the future.
2.1 Low-dimensional InAs-based materials
Figure 2.(a)Crystal structure of bulk InAs[1]. Top and side view of geometric structures for(b-c)monolayer[62] and(d-e)bilayer[50] InAs with highlighted primitive unit cells
Excitingly,Lucking et al. have recently predicted that InAs can exist in a stable layered form[
2.2 InAs-based vdW stacking configurations
Various InAs-based vdW heterostructures have been constructed with optimized InAs geometric structures above as the base unit. Undoubtedly,to fully harness the potential of InAs-based vdW heterojunctions,it is imperative to comprehend structural stability,as well as the thermodynamic stability when defects present at the heterogeneous interface. Computational details and results are presented in
where Etot,EKS-DFT,and Edisp represent the total energy of the InAs-based vdW system,the conventional self-consistent Kohn-Sham energy obtained from exchange-correlation energy functionals,and the contribution of the dispersion correction by DFT-D.
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So far,theoretical exploration has screened quite a few energetically stable InAs-based vdW heterostructures as depicted in
Figure 3.InAs-based vdW stacking configurations. From top to bottom and left to right are(a)InTS/GR and AsTS/GR vdW heterostructures[30];(b)InAs/GaSb-ABII and InAs/GaSb-AAII vdW heterostructures[34];(c)InAs/InP-AA vdW heterostructures[32];(d)InAs/GaSb-AB5,InAs/GaAs-BB3 and InAs/InP-BB5 vdW heterostructures[31];(e)InAs/PbTe vdW heterostructures[36];(f)InTS(111)/GR vdW heterostructures[28];(g)GR/InTS(111)and GR/AsTS(
While ideal interfaces serve as an important benchmark,defects exist on real material surfaces or heterogeneous interfaces,which will seriously affect the device performance. Thus,it is necessary to take defects into account when assessing the stability of InAs-based vdW heterostructures. Calculations have demonstrated that the formation of In and As vacancies at the interface of InAs-based vdW heterostructures is accompanied by either absorption or exothermic exchange processes,and also causes disturbance to system stability[
Overall,theoretical exploration has identified the existence of InAs vdW materials,including monolayer InAs,bilayer InAs,and InAs-based vdW heterojunctions. The stability of InAs-based vdW heterostructures is significantly influenced by interfacial vdW interactions,which can be affected by multiple factors such as stacking configuration,interlayer spacing,crystal orientation,and surface atom termination. Furthermore,it is essential to consider defects in vdW heterogeneous interface when assessing the structural stability. Therefore,it is necessary to thoroughly characterize the impact of these factors on the stability of InAs vdW systems. These findings not only advance understanding of the fundamental properties of InAs-based vdW heterojunctions but also provides a valuable guideline for the continued development of emerging InAs vdW systems.
3 Physics and functional devices
The interfacial charge transfer characteristics in InAs-based vdW heterojunctions have been the subject of intense research. Various analytical methods have been proposed to evaluate interfacial charge transfer mechanism,including energy band structure,the density of states(DOS),Bader and Mulliken analyses. While energy band structure and DOS provide insightful information,Bader and Mulliken analyses offer precise and quantitative data. Furthermore,charge density difference(CDD)visualization provides a clear representation of the direction and quantity of interfacial charge transfer. Remarkably,it has been discovered that changes in the interlayer spacing of InAs-based vdW heterojunctions can modify the strength of the vdW force,which is the primary cause for the changes in the direction and extent of interfacial charge transfer. These recent findings offer valuable insights into the fundamental physics underlying the electrical,optical,and magnetic properties,as well as the device performance variations in InAs-based vdW heterojunctions.
FPC have provided insight into the performance evaluation and scenarios of InAs-based vdW heterojunctions in important functional applications. These heterojunctions exhibit remarkable potential for band engineering,including band gap opening,band inversion,and band dispersion. Moreover,FPC have investigated the role of orbital hybridization in modifying the electronic properties of these heterostructures. Furthermore,the interfacial charge transfer and the subsequent built-in electric field at the heterogeneous interface are vital to achieving outstanding performance. The electronic transport properties can be further modulated by external electric fields. Excitingly,theoretical investigations have emphasized that interfacial charge transfer is the crucial driving force behind efficient optical absorption and photoresponse in InAs-based vdW heterojunctions. Lastly,FPC have demonstrated the existence of proximity-induced magnetism in InAs-based vdW heterojunctions,though the magnetic moments generated in the InAs layer are highly localized and too weak to be practical. These findings contribute significantly to the increasing knowledge base on the physics and applications of vdW heterojunctions,opening up exciting prospects for further research in this area.
3.1 Interfacial charge transfer quantification
To comprehend the distinctive physical characteristics of InAs-based vdW heterojunctions,it is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of the interfacial charge transfer parameters,which include the direction and quantity of charge transferred. Along with band structure and DOS,Bader and Mulliken analyses combined with CDD offer a powerful tool for investigating the properties of interfacial charge transfer. Our analysis underscores the importance of vdW forces in interfacial charge transfer,highlighting the potential of interlayer spacing as a general tuning parameter for vdW heterojunctions. These insights can enable researchers to explore the unique properties of InAs-based vdW heterojunctions and unlock their full potential for diverse applications.
Band structure and DOS offer valuable insight into the interfacial charge transfer properties of InAs-based vdW heterojunctions. The charge transfer,as well as well-separated electron-hole pairs at the interfaces of InAs-based vdW heterojunctions,can be induced by various factors,such as differences in work functions,ionizations,and nucleophilics[
To achieve a more quantitative understanding of the interfacial charge transfer in InAs-based vdW heterojunctions,Bader analyses[
where ρvdWH,ρInAs, and ρm are the charge density of the InAs-based vdW heterostructures,isolated InAs,and other 2D layered materials subsystems,respectively. The planar average CDD along the z-direction(perpendicular to the interface)is:
where Axy is the surface unit cell. The corresponding three-dimensional isosurfaces of the CDD visually depict the spatial distribution and extent of charge accumulation and depletion at the heterojunction interface. This information sheds valuable insight into the interfacial charge transfer parameters and their consequences on unique properties and device performance of InAs-based vdW heterojunctions.
The charge density difference consistently indicates that the maximum charge transfer occurs near the heterojunction interface. Surprisingly,there are intriguing differences in the transfer direction and quantity of interfacial charge in GR/InAs vdW system. In terms of different GR/InAs vdW heterostructures,the charge from GR to InAs layer in
Figure 4.Interfacial charge transfer characteristics in InAs/GR vdW system.(a)InTS/GR vdW heterostructures,magenta and cyan represent the charge accumulation and depletion[30];(b)GR/Au/InAs vdW heterostructures[26];(c)InAs/GR vdW heterostructures,yellow and blue represent the charge accumulation and depletion[37];(d)InTS/GR vdW heterostructures,blue and red represent the charge accumulation and depletion[28];(e)GR/InAs vdW heterostructures,green and yellow represent the charge accumulation and depletion[27]
3.2 Band engineering and orbital hybridization
Interfacial charge transfer is a critical phenomenon that has attracted significant research interest due to its potential to modify the electronic properties of heterojunctions. Recent investigations have demonstrated that interfacial charge transfer plays a pivotal role in band engineering of InAs-based vdW heterojunctions. Notably,the electronic orbital hybridization between adjacent interfacial atoms largely affects the band gap of InAs vdW systems. Moreover,the design of vacancy defects offers new prospects for band gap engineering. These findings are of particular importance for the design and optimization of electronic and optoelectronic devices based on InAs-based vdW heterojunctions.
Interfacial charge transfer characteristics influence electron band structures of InAs-based vdW heterojunctions.
Figure 5.Band structures for(a-b)GR/InAs[26,27],(c)h-BN/InAs[29],(d)EuS/InAs[33] and(e)InAs/PbTe[36] vdW heterostructures;DOS for(f)MoS2/InTS and(g)MoS2/AsTS vdW heterostructures[35]
Surprisingly,the band gap of the InAs vdW system is not solely determined by the constituent thin films,as may be expected. Rather,it is influenced to a greater extent by the electronic orbital hybridization that occurs between the adjacent interfacial atoms. Orbital hybridization between adjacent interfacial atoms plays a crucial role in facilitating the transfer of outer orbital electrons from one side of the interface to the vacant state on the other side of the interface,reducing the system energy to a lower steady state[
To sum up,interfacial charge transfer plays a crucial role in the electron band structure of InAs-based vdW heterojunctions. Theoretical studies reveal the emergence of band engineering such as band gap opening,band inversion,and band dispersion,as well as the role of orbital hybridization in promoting electron transfer in outer orbitals. Additionally,the study highlights the potential of band gap tuning via vacancy defects in non-ideal systems. However,there is still a lack of knowledge in this field,and future research should focus on exploring the properties and functionalities of various InAs-based vdW heterostructures and understanding the fundamental mechanisms behind interfacial charge transfer and band engineering as well as orbital hybridization.
3.3 Interacting with external electric fields
The formation of a built-in electric field at the interface of InAs-based vdW heterostructures induces changes in the conduction type of the interfacial atomic layer,thereby presenting a promising new doping approach. Moreover,the electronic structure and transport properties of InAs-based vdW heterojunctions can be controlled by applying a vertical external electric field. InAs-based vdW heterojunctions exhibit flexible electronic properties under external electric fields,which have crucial applications in next-generation electronic devices.
The formation of a built-in electric field at the interface of InAs-based vdW heterostructures is attributed to charge transfer between the materials. The quantity of the built-in electric field increases proportionally with the quantity of charge transferred until it reaches equilibrium with the intrinsic polarization electric field at the surface of the InAs film. This charge transfer effect induces changes in the conduction type of the interfacial atomic layer,leading to a novel doping approach for 2D layered materials associated with InAs-based vdW heterostructures. This doping technique outperforms conventional methods,such as impurity doping,which typically increases phonon scattering and electronic impurities[
The application of a vertical external electric field can induce a redistribution of charge between the layers in InAs-based vdW heterojunctions[
Recent computational studies have highlighted the flexible electron transport properties in InAs-based vdW heterojunctions. For instance,creating vdW heterojunction by inserting BN reduces the electronic states near the Fermi level of InAs with Pt and Pd electrode interfaces in
Figure 6.(a)DOS for the composite vdW system with insertion of monolayer BN between InAs and metal(Pd and Pt)[37];(b)I-V characteristics of InAs/GR vdW heterostructure device[28];(c)Trends in band gap variation of InAs/GaSb vdW heterostructures under external electric field modulation[34];(d)The SBH(ϕp and ϕn)and band gap(ϕp + ϕn)of GR/InAs vdW heterostructures under external electric fields modulation[30]
3.4 Enhanced optical absorption
The construction of InAs-based vdW heterostructures represents a highly effective approach for enhancing the optical absorption performance beyond that of isolated constituent films. Theoretical investigations have emphasized the critical role of interfacial charge transfer in driving efficient optical absorption and photoreaction effects. These findings hold great potential for the development of novel optoelectronic devices with enhanced performance and efficiency.
The accurate analysis of optical absorption spectra in materials using FPC requires careful consideration of excitonic effects,electron-hole coupling,and phonon-assisted electron transitions[
Figure 7.Optical absorption coefficient of(a)InAs/GaAs-BB3 and(b)InAs/GaSb-AB5[31],(c)InAs/GaSb-ABII and InAs/GaSb-AAII[34],(d)MoS2/InAs[27],(e)InAs/InP[32] vdW heterostructures;(f)For InAs/GaAs and InAs/GaSb vdW heterostructures,the PCE can be as high as 20.65% and over 18%,respectively[31]
Theoretical calculations reveal the intrinsic mechanism behind the efficient optical absorption and photoreaction in InAs-based vdW heterostructures,with an emphasis on the important role of interfacial charge transfer. In the GR/InTS vdW heterostructures,visible light irradiation induces the excitation of electrons on the pz orbitals of GR to the s and p orbitals in the conduction band of the InTS substrate[
Overall,InAs-based vdW heterostructures holds immense potential for the development of advanced optoelectronic devices,including photodetectors,solar cells,and terahertz detectors,due to their excellent optical properties. Theoretical calculations have elucidated that the enhanced optical absorption is due to electronic transitions that occur at the junction interfaces. Despite the significant progress,there are still some limitations and challenges that need to be addressed in future research. For example,experimental validation of the theoretical predictions and the optimization of the heterostructure design to improve charge separation and reduce recombination losses are important future directions. Moreover,investigating the potential applications of these heterostructures in optoelectronic and energy conversion devices is an exciting avenue for future research.
3.5 Proximity-induced magnetism
In magnetics,EuS/InAs vdW heterostructures have attracted substantial attention for their tunable electronic transport and local proximitized magnetic exchange. However,neutron and x-ray reflectivity measurements have failed to detect proximity-induced magnetism in InAs. In contrast,FPC have proven to be a powerful tool for elucidating magnetic moment distribution at the EuS/InAs vdW heterogeneous interface[
Regrettably,there are minor magnetic moments located around the InAs layer in
Figure 8.(a)Spin density across EuS/InAs vdW heterogeneous interface[73];(b)Spin polarization as a function of layer index in EuS/InAs vdW heterostructure[33]
Overall,research on InAs-based vdW heterojunctions has focused on their interfacial charge transfer characteristics. CDD is a reliable method to visualize the direction and quantity of charge transfer. Changes in interlayer spacing affect the strength of the vdW force,causing changes in the direction and extent of charge transfer. The relationship between interfacial charge transfer mechanism and unique principle physical properties as well as device performance variations InAs-based vdW heterojunctions have been revealed,including band engineering and orbital hybridization,interacting with external electric fields,enhanced optical absorption,and proximity-induced magnetism. Evaluation and improvement schemes for critical device performances of InAs vdW heterostructures have demonstrated quite a few prototypes for potential industrial application.
4 Challenges, opportunities, and perspectives
Recent research on interfacial charge transfer characteristics in InAs-based vdW heterojunctions using FPC are fruitful,which can be attributed to the advancement of basic theory and computational methods as well as the increasing modern computer performance. The necessity and significance of this calculation method become more prominent against the current background that the experimental preparation technology is not yet mature but in urgent need of breakthrough. Firstly,theoretical investigations have substantiated the existence of InAs vdW materials,including monolayer and bilayer InAs,as well as InAs-based vdW heterostructures. These findings bolster the confidence of experimental researchers,inspiring a push toward the implementation of more innovative theories and techniques in their investigations. Moreover,the calculations provide judgment methods assessing the direction and quantity of charge transfer across the InAs-based vdW heterogeneous interface. It has been revealed that alterations in the interlayer distance significantly influence the strength of the vdW force,which serves as a critical modulator of interfacial charge transfer characteristics. Significantly,theoretical studies have elucidated the impact of interfacial charge transfer on the novel principle physical properties and device mechanisms in InAs-based vdW heterojunctions,including band engineering and orbital hybridization,interacting with external electric fields,enhanced optical absorption,and proximity-induced magnetism. Various prototypes have been developed,showcasing the potential for industrial applications. In general,theoretical research on interfacial charge transfer characteristics in InAs-based vdW heterojunctions through the lens of FPC provides theoretical guiding and accurate prediction for future studies on advanced and complex systems.
However,the reliability and accuracy of FPC have encountered challenges,hindering their crucial role in guiding and forecasting in InAs-based vdW heterojunction studies. As we all know,the basic theory and computational methods used to solve the fundamental Schrödinger equations are diversified. More immediately,the concepts used to describe vdW interactions are also varied. To date,the vast majority of FPC for InAs systems have used semi-empirical physical models,such as DFT-D,to incorporate vdW interactions,whose accuracy requires high-precision experimental measurements to correct some of its key parameters. Unfortunately,the scarcity of trustworthy experimental data for InAs vdW systems presents a significant challenge in accurately predicting their properties[
The next tricky challenge is the somewhat simplified treatment of the InAs-based vdW heterojunction interfaces[
An additional common challenge is that the system energy and crystal structure are performed at 0K(excluding finite temperature effects)in DFT calculations[
It is well known that theory and experiment go hand in hand. If continue to refine FPC in terms of theoretical methodology and calculation accuracy,researchers will have an enhanced opportunity to thoroughly investigate the electrical,optical,and magnetic properties as well as device performance variations in InAs-based vdW heterojunctions. This would greatly advance experimental studies of InAs vdW systems and unlock new possibilities for potential practical applications in next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices.
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Tian-Tian CHENG, Kun ZHANG, Man LUO, Yu-Xin MENG, Yuan-Ze ZU, Yi-Jin WANG, Peng WANG, Chen-Hui YU. Research progress on first-principles calculations of interfacial charge transfer characteristics in InAs-based van der Waals heterojunctions[J]. Journal of Infrared and Millimeter Waves, 2023, 42(5): 666
Category: Research Articles
Received: May. 31, 2023
Accepted: --
Published Online: Aug. 30, 2023
The Author Email: Man LUO (luoman@ntu.edu.cn), Peng WANG (w_peng@mail.sitp.ac.cn), Chen-Hui YU (ychyu@ntu.edu.cn)