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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Theoretical Calculation and Experimental Verification for Dislocation Reduction in Germanium Epitaxial Layers with Semicylindrical Voids on Silicon
Published on: July 17, 2020
Polarization vortices in germanium telluride nanoplatelets: a theoretical study
E Durgun1, Ph Ghosez, R Shaltaf
1Physique Theorique des Matériaux, Université de Liège (B5), B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
Abstract:
Using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory, we study the properties of germanium telluride crystalline nanoplatelets and nanoparticles. Above a diameter of 2.7 nm, we predict the appearance of polarization vortices giving rise to an unusual ferrotoroidic ground state with a spontaneous and reversible toroidal moment of polarization. We highlight the crucial role of inhomogeneous strain in stabilizing polarization vortices. Combined with the phase-change properties of germanium telluride, the ferrotoroidic properties could be of practical interest for ternary logic applications.
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