Electrostatic coupling and local structural distortions at interfaces in ferroelectric/paraelectric superlattices

P. Zubko*, N. Jecklin, A. Torres-Pardo, P. Aguado-Puente, A. Gloter, C. Lichtensteiger, J. Junquera, O. Stéphan, J. M. Triscone

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

113 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The performance of ferroelectric devices is intimately entwined with the structure and dynamics of ferroelectric domains. In ultrathin ferroelectrics, ordered nanodomains arise naturally in response to the presence of a depolarizing field and give rise to highly inhomogeneous polarization and structural profiles. Ferroelectric superlattices offer a unique way of engineering the desired nanodomain structure by modifying the strength of the electrostatic interactions between different ferroelectric layers. Through a combination of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and first-principles calculations, the electrostatic coupling between ferroelectric layers is studied, revealing the existence of interfacial layers of reduced tetragonality attributed to inhomogeneous strain and polarization profiles associated with the domain structure.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2846-2851
Number of pages6
JournalNano Letters
Volume12
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Jun 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • electron energy loss spectroscopy
  • electrostatic coupling
  • Ferroelectric domains
  • oxide superlattices

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Bioengineering
  • General Chemistry
  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanical Engineering

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