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Domain wall propagation in meso- and nanoscale ferroelectrics
R G P McQuaid1, M McMillen, L-W Chang
1Centre for Nanostructured Media, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter : an Institute of Physics Journal
|December 17, 2011
Summary
Ferroelectric nanorods switch more easily than thin plates, suggesting shape constraints enhance domain wall mobility. This study reveals a two-stage switching process involving needle domain formation and coarsening.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- External morphology significantly influences ferroelectric domain wall mobility.
- Previous studies indicated local surface features (notches/antinotches) affect switching, attributed to electric field variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the electrical switching characteristics of barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanorods and thin plates.
- To investigate the role of external morphology, specifically shape constraint, on ferroelectric switching.
- To elucidate the domain evolution mechanism during ferroelectric switching in different geometries.
Main Methods:
- Electrical switching measurements on single-crystal BaTiO3 nanorods and thin film plates.
- Direct imaging of domain development using piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM).
Main Results:
- Ferroelectric nanorods exhibited enhanced switchability compared to thin plates.
- A two-stage domain switching process was observed: initial needle-like domain formation followed by coarsening.
- Needle domain formation was suggested to occur more readily in nanorods than in plates.
Conclusions:
- Increasing shape constraint in ferroelectrics, as demonstrated by nanorods, enhances switchability.
- The observed switching behavior is explained by a two-stage domain evolution process, with morphology influencing initial domain nucleation.
- This work provides insights into controlling ferroelectric properties through structural design.
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