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We aim to generate and detect surface acoustic waves (SAW) in LaAlO₃/SrTiO₃ heterostructures. Using a well-developed conductive-AFM lithography technique ^[1], we “sketch” interdigitated transducers (IDT) on LaAlO₃/SrTiO₃ “canvases”, which convert electronic signals into SAW and vice-versa. Two sets of IDTs are written on the structure to function as a generator and detector. SAW can be used to generate dynamic potentials based on piezoelectric properties of LaAlO₃/SrTiO₃, and have the potential to drive electrons through nanostructures, a property that could be useful for quantum information applications.

[1] C. Cen, et al., Nature Materials 7, 298 (2008).