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Configurable topological textures in strain graded ferroelectric nanoplates

Publication Type

Journal Article

Authors

Kim, K.-E, S Jeong, K Chu, J.H Lee, G.-Y Kim, F Xue, T.Y Koo, L.-Q Chen, S.-Y Choi, Ramamoorthy Ramesh, C.-H Yang

DOI

10.1038/s41467-017-02813-5

Abstract

Topological defects in matter behave collectively to form highly non-trivial structures called topological textures that are characterised by conserved quantities such as the winding number. Here we show that an epitaxial ferroelectric square nanoplate of bismuth ferrite subjected to a large strain gradient (as much as 105 m-1) associated with misfit strain relaxation enables five discrete levels for the ferroelectric topological invariant of the entire system because of its peculiar radial quadrant domain texture and its inherent domain wall chirality. The total winding number of the topological texture can be configured from - 1 to 3 by selective non-local electric switching of the quadrant domains. By using angle-resolved piezoresponse force microscopy in conjunction with local winding number analysis, we directly identify the existence of vortices and anti-vortices, observe pair creation and annihilation and manipulate the net number of vortices. Our findings offer a useful concept for multi-level topological defect memory. © 2018 The Author(s).

Journal

Nature Communications

Volume

Year of Publication

2018

ISSN

20411723

Notes

cited By 23

Research Areas

Ramesh Lab