Three-dimensional imaging of vortex structure in a ferroelectric nanoparticle driven by an electric field.

ABSTRACT: Topological defects of spontaneous polarization are extensively studied as templates for unique physical phenomena and in the design of reconfigurable electronic devices. Experimental investigations of the complex topologies of polarization have been limited to surface phenomena, which has restricted the probing of the dynamic volumetric domain morphology in operando. Here, we utilize Bragg coherent diffractive imaging of a single BaTiO₃ nanoparticle in a composite polymer/ferroelectric capacitor to study the behavior of a three-dimensional vortex formed due to competing interactions involving ferroelectric domains. Our investigation of the structural phase transitions under the influence of an external electric field shows a mobile vortex core exhibiting a reversible hysteretic

SUBMITTER: Karpov D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5561144 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature