Probing of local ferroelectricity in BiFeO3 thin films and (BiFeO3)m(SrTiO3)m superlattices

TL;DR

This study investigates how ferroelectric domains in BiFeO3 thin films and superlattices can be controlled and modified, revealing domain size reduction in superlattices and potential for functional property engineering.

Contribution

It demonstrates the fabrication and analysis of BiFeO3/SrTiO3 superlattices, showing domain size reduction and domain engineering possibilities in these structures.

Findings

Large ferroelectric domains in BiFeO3 thin films

Size reduction of ferroelectric domains in superlattices

Superlattice modification enables domain wall property control

Abstract

Ferroelectric BiFeO3 thin films and artificial superlattices of (BiFeO3)m(SrTiO3)m (m~ 1 to 10 unit cells) were fabricated on (001)-oriented SrTiO3 substrates by pulsed laser ablation. The variation of leakage current and macroscopic polarization with periodicity was studied. Piezo force microscopy studies revealed the presence of large ferroelectric domains in the case of BiFeO3 thin films while a size reduction in ferroelectric domains was observed in the case of superlattice structures. The results show that the modification of ferroelectric domains through superlattice, could provide an additional control on engineering the domain wall mediated functional properties.