Dynamic control of ferroic domain patterns by thermal quenching.

Abstract

Controlling domain structures in ferroic materials is key to manipulating their functionality. Typically, quasi-static electric or magnetic fields are used to transform ferroic domains. In contrast, metallurgy employs rapid thermal quenches across phase transitions to create new domain patterns. This nonequilibrium approach overcomes constraints imposed by slow interactions, yet remains largely unexplored in ferroics. Here, we use thermal quenches to control ferroic domain patterns in a rare-earth orthoferrite. Cooling at variable rates triggers transitions between two ferroic phases, with transient domain evolution enabling selection of the final domain pattern. By tuning the quench rate, we either obtain the intrinsic domain structure of the low-temperature phase or transfer the high-temperature pattern-creating a hidden metastable domain state inaccessible at thermal equilibrium. Real-time imaging during quenching reveals two timescales: fast domain fragmentation followed by slower relaxation. This dynamic control of domain configurations offers a promising approach for manipulating ferroic order.