Three-dimensional domain identification in a single hexagonal manganite nanocrystal.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 38678047.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-024-48002-z and PMC identifier 11055849.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
The three-dimensional domain structure of ferroelectric materials significantly influences their properties. The ferroelectric domain structure of improper multiferroics, such as YMnO<sub>3</sub>, is driven by a non-ferroelectric order parameter, leading to unique hexagonal vortex patterns and topologically protected domain walls. Characterizing the three-dimensional structure of these domains and domain walls has been elusive, however, due to a lack of suitable imaging techniques. Here, we present a multi-peak Bragg coherent x-ray diffraction imaging determination of the domain structure in single YMnO<sub>3</sub> nanocrystals. We resolve two ferroelectric domains separated by a domain wall and confirm that the primary atomic displacements occur along the crystallographic c-axis. Correlation with atomistic simulations confirms the Mexican hat symmetry model of domain formation, identifying two domains with opposite ferroelectric polarization and adjacent trimerization, manifesting in a clockwise arrangement around the hat's brim.