Deterministic dual control of phase competition in strained BiFeO3 : a multiparametric structural lithography approach
Abstract
The realization of a mixed-phase microstructure in strained BiFeO3 (BFO) thin films has led to numerous novel effects derived from the coexistence of the tetragonal-like monoclinic phase (T phase) and rhombohedral-like monoclinic phase (R phase). Strong strain and polarization differences between the phases should result in a high level of transformation plasticity, which enables the continuous alteration of the relative proportion of R and T states in response to external forces. Although the potential for utilizing such plasticity to control mixed-phase populations under external stimuli is evident, direct experimental evidence backed by equilibrium predictions has not yet been fully demonstrated. Here we demonstrate deterministic control of mixed-phase populations in an epitaxially strained BFO thin film through the application of localized stresses and electric fields in a reversible manner. The results illustrate and rationalize deterministic control of mixed phases in strained BFO films, which could be crucial in tuning their functional properties. The findings also highlight a new multiparametric technique in the scanning probe lithography toolbox based on tip-assisted electric and strain field manipulation of functional properties that might find application beyond the ferroelectric domain and structural phase lithography.
Citation
Black , N , Edwards , D , Browne , N , Guy , J G M , Sharma , N , Holsgrove , K M , Naden , A B , McQuaid , R G P , Rodriguez , B J & Kumar , A 2021 , ' Deterministic dual control of phase competition in strained BiFeO 3 : a multiparametric structural lithography approach ' , Nanomanufacturing and Metrology , vol. First Online . https://doi.org/10.1007/s41871-021-00123-5
Publication
Nanomanufacturing and Metrology
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
2520-8128Type
Journal article
Description
UK Research and Innovation, MR/T043172/1, Raymond G. P. McQuaid; Department for Employment and Learning, Northern Ireland, USI-082, Amit Kumar; Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, EP/S037179/1, Amit Kumar; EP/L015323/01, Nathan Black.Collections
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