Probing Metastable Domain Dynamics <i>via</i> Automated Experimentation in Piezoresponse Force Microscopy.

Kelley, Kyle P; Ren, Yao; Dasgupta, Arvind; Kavle, Pravin; Jesse, Stephen; Vasudevan, Rama K; Cao, Ye; Martin, Lane W et al. · ACS Nano · 2021

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

The dynamics of complex topological defects in ferroelectric materials is explored using automated experimentation in piezoresponse force microscopy. Specifically, a complex trigger system (<i>i.e.</i>, "FerroBot") is employed to study metastable domain-wall dynamics in Pb<sub>0.6</sub>Sr<sub>0.4</sub>TiO<sub>3</sub> thin films. Several regimes of superdomain wall dynamics have been identified, including smooth domain-wall motion and significant reconfiguration of the domain structures. We have further demonstrated that microscopic mechanisms of the domain-wall dynamics can be identified; <i>i.e.</i>, domain-wall bending can be separated from irreversible domain reconfiguration regimes. In conjunction, phase-field modeling was used to corroborate the observed mechanisms. As such, the observed superdomain dynamics can provide a model system for classical ferroelectric dynamics, much like how colloidal crystals provide a model system for atomic and molecular systems.