Room temperature 2D electron gas at the (001)-SrTiO3 surface

Functional oxides and phenomena such as a 2D electron gas (2DEG) at oxide interfaces represent potential technological breakthroughs for post-CMOS electronics. Non-invasive techniques are required to study the surface chemistry and electronic structure, underlying their often unique electrical properties. The sensitivity of photoemission electron microscopy to chemistry and electronic structure makes it an invaluable tool for probing the near surface region of microscopic regions and domains of functional materials. We present results demonstrating a room temperature 2DEG at the (001)-SrTiO3 surface. The 2DEG is switched on by soft X-ray irradiation.