Theoretical analysis of cascade levels forming in SrTiO3

Abstract

The possibility of forming cascading energy levels in SrTiO3 by doping Bi and Cu as an example is analyzed by using the density-functional-theory based first principles calculations of the electronic structure. The results show that both Bi doping and Cu doping can introduce a defect level in the forbidden band，and Co-doping of Bi and Cu can introduce two defect levels in the forbidden band. Electrons at the top of valence band can transit to the bottom of conduction band through a cascade transition process. Using the nonradiative transition model，we point out that the probability of electronic transition from the valence band to the conduction band through a cascade transition is much higher than that of direct transition from the valence band to the conduction band. The cascade transitions can effectively increase the carrier concentration in the conduction band.