title: Characterization and manipulation of mixed phase nanodomains in highly strained BiFeO3 thin films.
abstract: The novel strain-driven morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) in highly strained BiFeO(3) thin films is characterized by well-ordered mixed phase nanodomains (MPNs). Through scanning probe microscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction, eight structural variants of the MPNs are identified. Detailed polarization configurations within the MPNs are resolved using angular-dependent piezoelectric force microscopy. Guided by the obtained results, deterministic manipulation of the MPNs has been demonstrated by controlling the motion of the local probe. These findings are important for an in-depth understanding of the ultrahigh electromechanical response arising from phase transformation between competing phases, enabling future explorations on the electronic structure, magnetoelectricity, and other functionalities in this new MPB system.
authors.affiliation: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798.
authors.forename: Lu
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: You
authors.forename: Zuhuang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Xi
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zou
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: Weigang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Lang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Guoliang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Yuan
authors.forename: Junling
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D001729:Bismuth / Q000737:chemistry*; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010316:Particle Size; D044367:Phase Transition; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D005290:Ferric Compounds; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; C000499:ferric oxide; C033301:bismuth oxide; D001729:Bismuth