Observation of ferron transport in ferroelectrics

TL;DR

This paper provides experimental evidence of ferron quasiparticle transport in ferroelectrics, demonstrating nonlocal signal transmission and control via magnetic and electric fields, paving the way for ferron-based electronic devices.

Contribution

First experimental demonstration of ferron transport in ferroelectrics with controllable injection, detection, and switching mechanisms.

Findings

Achieved nonlocal ferron signal transmission over micrometer distances.

Demonstrated magnetic and electric field control of ferron transport.

Opened pathways for ferron-based power-efficient devices.

Abstract

Ferroelectrics feature spontaneous electric dipolar order reconfigurable via electric fields. Recent theoretical studies of the collective excitations of this electric dipolar order give rise to the hope that "ferron" quasiparticles may complement the magnons of magnetic materials in information and heat management technologies. Yet direct experimental evidence of ferron transport remains elusive. Here we demonstrate efficient ferron injection and detection enabled by ferromagnetic metal contacts, achieving nonlocal signal transmission over micrometer distances in a prototypical ferroelectric PMN-PT. The transmission efficiency can be switched by external magnetic fields that couple to the contacts and gate electric fields that control the ferron excitations. Ferron-based devices open new power saving strategies that employ ferroelectric materials in a future sustainable information society.