Controlled Phase Transitions in In₂Se₃ via Laser-Induced Wrinkling.

Abstract

Crystalline phase transitions in two-dimensional (2D) materials enable precise control over electronic and ferroic properties, making them attractive materials for memory and energy storage applications. In₂Se₃ is particularly promising because its α and β' phases are both stable at room temperature but exhibit distinct ferroic behaviors. However, achieving reliable reversible switching between these states remains challenging. Here, we show that controlled β' → α phase transitions in 2D In₂Se₃ become accessible through laser-induced wrinkling, establishing a room-temperature approach for manipulating ferroic states in In₂Se₃ thin films. Combined with thermal annealing for phase recovery, this approach eliminates cryogenic steps and mechanical perturbation while harnessing accumulated internal strain to generate multiphase heterostructures and direct domain reorganization. This pathway for phase transitions in In₂Se₃ opens the door for further development in ferroic device architectures and phase-change memory technologies.