Ferroelectrics are materials exhibiting a remanent polarisation that can be switched by applying an electric field. These materials can consist of regions where the polarisation points in different directions, and each region with a uniform polarisation is called a domain. Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in domains in ferroelectric materials, mostly due to the properties of their boundaries, domain walls (DWs). Domain walls are regions with local symmetry different from the bulk material, and can host properties that are radically different from the bulk. This recent interest has now created an entire new field of study in nanoscale ferroelectrics, termed domain wall nanoelectronics, with a worldwide scientific effort focused on understanding the structure and properties of domain walls, as well as utilizing them as novel components in electronic devices.
Basic concepts will be introduced, and a few examples will be discussed, in particular the concept of vortex domain walls, in which polar vortices perform the same role as a ferroelectric domain wall and can be manipulated by an external applied field.
The slides of the presentation can be downloaded here (pdf).
References:
Hong et al, Nano Lett. 21, 3533 (2021)
Location: Stuckelberg, Ecole de Physique
Time: Friday 6 May 2022, 12:00 for pizza, 12:30 start discussion
As usual, we will provide pizza to share for lunch. Please register on this doodle before Thursday 5 May, 19:00, so we can order enough pizza!