Interconversion of multiferroic domains and domain walls

E Hassanpour,A Cano,Th Lottermoser,Y Tokura,M C Weber,A Bortis,L Kuerten,Y Tokunaga,Y Taguchi,Y Zemp,M Fiebig

doi:10.1038/s41467-021-22808-7

Abstract

Systems 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. A change of the ordered state across a domain wall can lead to local non-bulk physical properties such as enhanced conductance or the promotion of unusual phases. Although highly desirable, controlled transfer of these properties between the bulk and the spatially confined walls is usually not possible. Here, we demonstrate this crossover by confining multiferroic Dy0.7Tb0.3FeO3 domains into multiferroic domain walls at an identified location within a non-multiferroic environment. This process is fully reversible; an applied magnetic or electric field controls the transformation. Aside from expanding the concept of multiferroic order, such interconversion can be key to addressing antiferromagnetic domain structures and topological singularities.

Highlights

Systems with long-range order like ferromagnetism or ferroelectricity exhibit uniform, yet differently oriented three-dimensional regions called domains that are separated by twodimensional topological defects termed domain walls
Domain walls are a source of specific phenomena that are forbidden in the uniform interior of the corresponding domains[1,2]
Domain walls may be regarded as additional state of a material, virtually a world in its own self and often discussed without reference to the surrounding bulk phase

Summary

Introduction

Systems with long-range order like ferromagnetism or ferroelectricity exhibit uniform, yet differently oriented three-dimensional regions called domains that are separated by twodimensional topological defects termed domain walls. The interests in ferroic materials with magnetic or electric order evolved from the spatially expanded bulk domains towards the spatially confined domain walls. We employ the fields to transfer the multiferroic domain wall back into a multiferroic bulk state.

Results

Conclusion