Publication Date:
2017-04-04
Description:
The ability to reversibly switch ferroelectric polarization directions with small driving force is of interest both for fundamental researches and for novel applications. Here, the dynamic evolution of vortex domains in hexagonal ferroelectric YMnO 3 is systematically demonstrated. Driven by propagations of charged domain walls (CDWs), vortex domains can be reversibly switched by merely utilizing electron beam irradiation. Dislocations pining at domain walls impede their motions, contributing to the irreversible evolution. Moreover, none of six ferroelectric domains in a vortex can vanish during such evolution due to the topological protection. Our results suggest that even with small external stimuli, CDWs in improper ferroelectrics can be considerably active and altered, providing a perspective on potential applications in ferroelectric storage.
Print ISSN:
0002-7820
Electronic ISSN:
1551-2916
Topics:
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
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