Manipulating ferroelectricity without electrical bias: A perspective

TL;DR

This paper explores electrode-free methods such as chemical, mechanical, and optical stimuli to control ferroelectric polarization, aiming to expand application possibilities beyond traditional electrical biasing.

Contribution

It highlights recent advances in non-electrical stimuli for manipulating ferroelectric polarization, including surface engineering, chemical substitution, mechanical pressure, and optical modulation.

Findings

Chemical surface contributions influence polarization states.

Mechanical pressure and flexoelectricity enable polarization control.

Optical methods can modulate ferroelectric polarization.

Abstract

Ferroelectric materials are established candidates for beyond complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology, owing to their non-volatile spontaneous electrical polarization. The recent boom in electric dipole texture engineering and manipulation in such materials has revealed exciting routes for controlling ferroelectric polarization, offering alternatives to the classical, sometimes challenging, application of electrical fields. In this short perspective, we shed light on electrode-free external stimuli enabling control over polar states in thin films. We bring awareness to the polarizing role of chemically-engineered surface contributions and provide insights into the combination of chemical substitution and mechanical pressure, complementing the polar state tuning capabilities readily enabled by flexoelectricity. Finally, we describe recent developments in the optical modulation of polarization. Thus, our perspective aims to stimulate the advancement of alternative means to act on polarization states and facilitate the development of ferroelectric-based applications.