Confinement-Driven Inverse Domain Scaling in Polycrystalline ErMnO₃

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Ferroelectricity

Background:

• Topological phenomena in ferroelectric materials offer novel physical properties.
• Polar skyrmions, vortices, and incommensurabilities are key examples of topological order.
• Understanding domain formation is crucial for ferroelectric device applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of topological vortices on domain formation in improper ferroelectric ErMnO3 polycrystals.
• To analyze the domain scaling behavior in relation to grain size.
• To elucidate the mechanisms governing domain evolution in these materials.

Main Methods:

• Experimental study of domain formation in ErMnO3 polycrystals.
• Utilizing phase field simulations.
• Analyzing the role of elastic strain fields.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated an inverted domain scaling behavior where smaller domains form with increasing grain size.
• Observed annihilation of vortex/anti-vortex pairs within grains and individual vortices at grain boundaries.
• Identified elastic strain fields as the driving force for vortex annihilation.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals a unique domain scaling behavior in improper ferroelectrics driven by topological vortices.
• Elastic strain fields play a critical role in mediating domain evolution.
• Findings provide new opportunities for topology-based domain engineering and tuning ferroelectric properties.