Abstract
We report deterministic selection of polarization variant in bismuth BiFeO3 nanoislands via a two-step scanning probe microscopy procedure. The polarization orientation in a nanoisland is toggled to the desired variant after a reset operation by scanning a conductive atomic force probe in contact over the surface while a bias is applied. The final polarization variant is determined by the direction of the inhomogeneous in-plane trailing field associated with the moving probe tip. This work provides the framework for better control of switching in rhombohedral ferroelectrics and for a deeper understanding of exchange coupling in multiferroic nanoscale heterostructures toward the realization of magnetoelectric devices.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 5228-5234 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Nano Letters |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 8 |
Early online date | 25 Jul 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 10 Aug 2016 |
Keywords
- Bismuth ferrite
- multiferroics
- nanoislands
- polarization switching
- scanning probe microscopy