In some embodiments, a semiconductor structure includes: a first epitaxial oxide semiconductor layer; a metal layer; and a contact layer adjacent to the metal layer, and between the first epitaxial oxide semiconductor layer and the metal layer. The contact layer can include an epitaxial oxide semiconductor material. The contact layer can also include a region comprising a gradient in a composition of the epitaxial oxide semiconductor material adjacent to the metal layer, or a gradient in a strain of the epitaxial oxide semiconductor material over a region adjacent to the metal layer.