Toroidal polar topology in strained ferroelectric polymer

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Polar topological textures are crucial for exotic phenomena and reconfigurable electronics.
• Ferroelectric polymers offer potential for novel electronic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the self-organization of toroidal topological texture in poly(vinylidene fluoride-ran-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)].
• To investigate the resulting polar topology and its interaction with electromagnetic waves.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication and characterization of ferroelectric polymer films.
• Analysis of polarization behavior and domain structures.
• Investigation of far-infrared (FIR) wave absorption properties.

Main Results:

• Self-organized toroidal topological texture with concentric, anticoupled chiral domains observed in P(VDF-TrFE).
• Continuous rotation and toroidal assembly of polarization perpendicular to polymer chains, with relaxor behavior along chains.
• Periodic absorption of polarized FIR waves, enabling mesoscopic terahertz wave manipulation.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals a new self-organized polar topology in ferroelectric polymers.
• This toroidal structure provides a pathway for designing flexible ferroic materials with complex topologies.
• The findings open opportunities for multistimuli conversions in flexible electronics and terahertz wave control.