A two-step channel In0.1Ga0.9As/In(0.2)5Ga(0.75)As heterostructure real-space transfer transistor grown by low-pressure metalorgonic chemical vapor deposition is implemented. By virtue of delta doping, shallow ohmic contacts and two-step channel, a high peak-to-valley current ratio up to 260 000 at 300 K can be obtained at low collector voltage (V-c=3 V). Moreover, from Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) measurements,we observe a positive persistent-photoconductivity effect and variations of quantum lifetime. The SdH result is in good agreement with the critical drained-to-source onset voltage of negative differential resistance. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.