Tailoring polarization homogeneity in discontinuous-columnar Bi(Fe,Mn)O₃ thin films via dislocation engineering with controlled self-assembly.

ABSTRACT: Defect microstructures, particularly dislocations, are pivotal in determining the functional properties of ferroelectric thin films. While their density is routinely considered, the critical role of their spatial configuration has remained largely unexplored and difficult to control. Here, we develop a controlled self-assembly strategy for dislocations in Bi(Fe,Mn)O₃ thin films on Ni-Cr that directly addresses this challenge. By employing a LaNiO₃ buffer layer, we template a discontinuous-columnar grain structure and guide the self-assembly of edge dislocations along grain boundaries in a topologically-protected configuration. The resulting ordered microstructure promotes a more uniform strain field and more coherent FeO₆ octahedral tilting, significantly e

SUBMITTER: Sui H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12910038 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature