"Annular" ferroelectric domains in hexagonal manganites

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of unique concentric cylindrical and annular ferroelectric domains in hexagonal manganites, revealing new domain configurations with potential technological applications.

Contribution

The study introduces novel annular and cylindrical ferroelectric domain patterns in hexagonal manganites, expanding understanding of ferroic domain structures.

Findings

Discovered concentric cylindrical ferroelectric domains.

Observed multiple annular domain patterns.

Potential implications for new electronic applications.

Abstract

Structural features of ferroic domains are fundamentally important for the understanding of microstructure and physical properties of ferroic materials, and they are also of technological significance for information storage and electronic switches. There are three well-known forms of ferroic orders in correlation with the spontaneous magnetization, electric polarization, and spontaneous strain, respectively. Ferroelectricity often accompanies ferroelastic strain, so ferroelectric domains tend to form in simple elongated configurations. However, due to strong boundary conditions, ferroelectric domains in nano-materials or near defects can have unusual configurations. In addition, vortex domains where multiple ferroelectric domains merge at one point have been observed in YMnO3. Herein, we report the discovery of unique ferroelectric domains with a concentric cylindrical shape in hexagonal manganites. We have also observed remarkable domains with multiple annular patterns. Our findings could open a new avenue for comprehensive studies of the ferroic domains, and this novel pattern could also leads to possibilities for new technologic applications.