Interconversion of multiferroic domains and domain walls.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 33980845.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-021-22808-7 and PMC identifier 8115534.
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Abstract
Systems with long-range order like ferromagnetism or ferroelectricity exhibit uniform, yet differently oriented three-dimensional regions called domains that are separated by two-dimensional topological defects termed domain walls. A change of the ordered state across a domain wall can lead to local non-bulk physical properties such as enhanced conductance or the promotion of unusual phases. Although highly desirable, controlled transfer of these properties between the bulk and the spatially confined walls is usually not possible. Here, we demonstrate this crossover by confining multiferroic Dy<sub>0.7</sub>Tb<sub>0.3</sub>FeO<sub>3</sub> domains into multiferroic domain walls at an identified location within a non-multiferroic environment. This process is fully reversible; an applied magnetic or electric field controls the transformation. Aside from expanding the concept of multiferroic order, such interconversion can be key to addressing antiferromagnetic domain structures and topological singularities.