Interconversion of multiferroic domains and domain walls

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates reversible control of multiferroic domains and domain walls in Dy0.7Tb0.3FeO3 using magnetic and electric fields, enabling targeted manipulation of domain architectures for advanced functional properties.

Contribution

It introduces a method to reversibly interconvert multiferroic domains and domain walls at specified locations, advancing control over domain structures in multiferroic materials.

Findings

Reversible interconversion between multiferroic domains and domain walls.

Controlled manipulation of domain architecture using external fields.

Potential applications in tailoring antiferromagnetic and multiferroic properties.

Abstract

Materials with long-range order like ferromagnetism or ferroelectricity exhibit uniform, yet differently oriented three-dimensional regions called domains that are separated by two-dimensional topological defects termed domain walls\cite{Tagantsev2010,AlexHubert1998}. A change of the ordered state across a domain wall can lead to local non-bulk properties such as enhanced conductance or the promotion of unusual phases\cite{Seidel2009,Meier2012,Farokhipoor2014}. Although highly desirable, controlled transfer of these exciting properties between the bulk and the walls is usually not possible. Here we demonstrate this crossover from three- to two-dimensions for confining multiferroic Dy$_{0.7}$Tb$_{0.3}$FeO$_3$ domains into multiferroic domain walls at a specified location within a non-multiferroic environment. This process is fully reversible; an applied magnetic or electric field controls the transformation. Aside from the aspect of magnetoelectric functionality, such interconversion can be key to tailoring elusive domain architectures such as in antiferromagnets.