Band bending and quasi-2DEG in the metallized $β$-SiC(001) surface

Abstract

We study the mechanism leading to the metallization of the $β$-SiC(001) Si-rich surface induced by hydrogen adsorption. We analyze the effects of band bending and demonstrate the existence of a quasi-2D electron gas, which originates from the donation of electrons from adsorbed hydrogen to bulk conduction states. We also provide a simple model that captures the main features of the results of first-principles calculations, and uncovers the basic physics of the process.

accepted for publication in physica status solidi - Rapid Research Letters