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At least 55 records · Page 3

Formation of the domain structure in CLN under the pyroelectric field induced by pulse infrared laser heating

The evolution of the self-assembled quasi-regular micro- and nanodomain structures after pulse infrared laser irradiation in congruent lithium niobate crystal was studied by in situ optical observation. Several scenarios of domain kinetics represented covering of the irradiated zone by nets of the separated domain chains and rays have been revealed. The time dependence of the total domain length was analyzed in terms of modified Kolmogorov-Avrami theory. The domain structure evolution was attributed to the action of pyroelectric field appeared during cooling. The time dependence of the spatial distribution of the pyroelectric field during pulse laser heating and subsequent cooling was calculated by finite element method. The results of computer simulation allowed us to explain the experimental results and can be used for creation of tailored domain structures thus opening the new abilities of the submicron-scale domain engineering in ferroelectrics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A Method for Analyzing the Domain Structure in Magnetic Powder Microparticles

A method for analyzing the domain structure in magnetic powder microparticles based on the Mössbauer effect is proposed. This method has been experimentally verified for gadolinium ferrite-garnet (Gd{sub 3}Fe{sub 5}O{sub 12}) powder particles 40 ± 5 μm in diameter in the vicinity of the magnetic compensation point T{sub cm} = 286 K. It is shown that ferrite particles are single-domain near T{sub cm} and pass to the multidomain state while moving away from T{sub cm}.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Tunable thermal conductivity via domain structure engineering in ferroelectric thin films: A phase-field simulation

Effective thermal conductivity as a function of domain structure is studied by solving the heat conduction equation using a spectral iterative perturbation algorithm in materials with inhomogeneous thermal conductivity distribution. Using this proposed algorithm, the experimentally measured effective thermal conductivities of domain-engineered {001} p- BiFeO 3 thin films are quantitatively reproduced. In conjunction with two other testing examples, this proposed algorithm is proven to be an efficient tool for interpreting the relationship between the effective thermal conductivity and micro-/domain-structures. By combining this algorithm with the phase-field model of ferroelectric thin films, the effective thermal conductivity for PbZr 1-x Ti x O 3 films under different composition, thickness, strain, and working conditions is predicted. It is shown that the chemical composition, misfit strain, film thickness, film orientation, and a Piezoresponse Force Microscopy tip can be used to engineer the domain structures and tune the effective thermal conductivity. Furthermore, we expect our findings will stimulate future theoretical, experimental and engineering efforts on developing devices based on the tunable effective thermal conductivity in ferroelectric nanostructures.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Strain effects on domain structures in ferroelectric thin films from phase‐field simulations

Abstract Strain and applied external electric fields are known to influence domain evolution and associated ferroelectric responses in ferroelectric thin films. Here, phase‐field simulations are used to predict equilibrium domain structures and polarization‐field ( P ‐ E ) hysteresis loops of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films under a series of mismatch strains, ranging from strongly tensile to strongly compressive. In particular, the evolution of domains and the P ‐ E curves under different applied strains reveal the mesoscale mechanism, the appearance of in‐plane polarization during domain switching, that is responsible for a relatively small coercive field and remnant polarization. A Landau energy distribution is analyzed to better understand the domain evolution under various strain conditions. The results provide guidance for choice of mismatched strains to yield the desired P ‐ E hysteresis loops and the domain structures.

Lin, Fang‐Yin↗

Conversion of spectral characteristics of laser radiation in periodic domain structures written by the electron-beam method in planar waveguides formed by Ti diffusion in Y-oriented LiNbO{sub 3}

Periodic domain structures for nonlinear conversion of spectral characteristics of laser radiation in the planar Ti : LiNbO{sub 3} waveguide have been formed by the method of electron-beam writing. Domain gratings with a spatial period of 6.50 μm formed in the Y-cut plate over a wide range of accelerating voltages have been visualised by the method of second harmonic generation microscopy (SHG-microscopy) in transmitting geometry and at waveguide excitation. It is found that the domain structure written at an accelerating voltage of 10 kV in a waveguide with an exponential refractive index profile and an effective thickness of 1.75 μm is characterised by high homogeneity. It is composed of continuous domain rows and provides near-quasi-phase-matching radiation conversion at a wavelength of 1053 nm into the second harmonic for the TE{sub 0} → TE{sub 1} waveguide process. (paper)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Influence of growth temperature of KTiOAsO{sub 4} single crystals on their physicochemical parameters and formation of domain structures

A potassium titanyl arsenate (KTiOAsO{sub 4}, KTA) crystal 50 × 80 × 60 mm in size has been grown by upgraded Czochralski method from flux (TGGS) with a decrease in temperature from 900 to 770 °C during pulling. It is shown that the spectroscopic properties of the parts of KTA crystals grown at 900 and 770 °C are close, whereas the electrical conductivity of the low-temperature (770 °C) KTA part turned out to be an order of magnitude lower than that of the high-temperature part. Visualisation of the domain structure by second-harmonic generation microscopy revealed a more efficient domain intergrowth (throughout the sample) in the low-temperature KTA, which is important for forming a regular domain structure (RDS) in a KTA-based nonlinear optical element. It is established that the quantum efficiency of parametric generation of light in the RDS formed in low-temperature KTA is several times higher than in the case of high-temperature KTA. The results obtained are important for optimising RDS parameters. (paper)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Hierarchical domain structures associated with oxygen octahedra tilting patterns in lead-free (Bi 1/2 Na 1/2 )TiO 3

Hierarchical domain structures associated with oxygen octahedra tilting patterns were observed in lead-free (Bi 1/2 Na 1/2 )TiO 3 ceramics using aberration-corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Three types of domains are induced by distinct mechanisms: the 'orientation-domain' is induced at micrometer scale formed by different tilting orientations of the oxygen octahedra, the 'meso-chemical-domain' occurs at a few tens of nanometer scale by chemical composition variation on the A-site in the ABO 3 perovskite structure, and the 'nano-cluster-region' runs across several unit-cells with apparent A-site cation segregation with oxygen vacancies clustering around Na cations. Based on HRTEM amplitude contrast imaging (ACI), the correlation between the oxygen octahedral tilting pattern and compositional non-stoichiometry was established. The role of the hierarchical domain structure associated with the tilting patterns of the oxygen octahedra on the ferroelectric behavior of (Bi 1/2 Na 1/2 )TiO 3 is also discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Flux-Closure Domain Structures in Ferroelectric K 0.5 Na 0.5 NbO 3 Thin Films

Topological domain structures in ferroelectric materials have garnered increasing attention due to their intriguing physical properties and promising applications. While most existing topological structures in ferroelectric perovskite oxides originate from tetragonal or rhombohedral bulk phases, much less is understood about their counterparts in orthorhombic ferroelectrics. Here, in this work, we employ ferroelectric K 0.5 Na 0.5 NbO 3 (KNN) thin films as a model system and leverage phase-field simulations to theoretically predict the static structures and dynamic behaviors of three types of flux-closure domain configurations: in-plane (Type-I), out-of-plane (Type-II), and superdomain (Type-III) flux-closure structures. We systematically investigate the effects of finite size, misfit strains, and electrical boundary conditions on the formation and switching of these topological structures. For the Type-I structure, size reduction or small misfit strain facilitates a transition of the flux-closure pattern to polar vortices. Type-II structures emerge under open-circuit electrical boundary conditions of the film, forming at the junctions of specific domain walls with the film surface or the film–substrate interface. The formation mechanisms of these two flux-closure structures are rationalized from an energy perspective. We demonstrated switching capabilities of Type-II and Type-III structures by obtaining polarization–electric field hysteresis loops. Our simulations also reveal a reversible electric-field-induced transition between the orthorhombic and rhombohedral ferroelectric phases with a checkerboard domain pattern, during which the integrity of the flux-closure structure is preserved. These findings provide theoretical insights and practical guidance for identifying and manipulating topological structures in low-symmetry ferroelectrics, paving the way for developing energy-efficient microelectronic devices based on topological structures.

P-E loop↗

Modeling Concept and Numerical Simulation of Ultrasonic Wave Propagation in a Moving Fluid-Structure Domain based on a Monolithic Approach

Here in the present study, we propose a novel multiphysics model that merges two time-dependent problems – the Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) and the ultrasonic wave propagation in a fluid-structure domain with a one directional coupling from the FSI problem to the ultrasonic wave propagation problem. This model is referred to as the “eXtended fluid-structure interaction (eXFSI)” problem. This model comprises isothermal, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations with nonlinear elastodynamics using the Saint-Venant Kirchhoff solid model. The ultrasonic wave propagation problem comprises monolithically coupled acoustic and elastic wave equations. To ensure that the fluid and structure domains are conforming, we use the ALE technique. The solution principle for the coupled problem is to first solve the FSI problem and then to solve the wave propagation problem. Accordingly, the boundary conditions for the wave propagation problem are automatically adopted from the FSI problem at each time step. The overall problem is highly nonlinear, which is tackled via a Newton-like method. The model is verified using several alternative domain configurations. To ensure the credibility of the modeling approach, the numerical solution is contrasted against experimental data.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Strain phase separation: Formation of ferroelastic domain structures

Phase decomposition is a well-known process leading to the formation of two-phase mixtures. Here we show that a strain imposed on a ferroelastic crystal promotes the formation of mixed phases and domains, i.e., strain phase separation with local strains determined by a common tangent construction on the free energy versus strain curves. It is demonstrated that a domain structure can be understood using the concepts of domain/phase rule, lever rule, and coherent and incoherent strain phase separation, in a complete analogy to phase decomposition. The proposed strain phase separation model is validated using phase-field simulations and experimental observations of PbTiO 3 and BiFeO 3 thin films as examples. Finally, the proposed model provides a simple tool to guide and design domain structures of ferroelastic systems.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Formation of a Domain Structure in Multilayer CoPt Films by Magnetic Probe of an Atomic Force Microscope

Abstract—A possibility of changing the magnetic type structure of multilayer CoPt films under action of the magnetic field of the atomic force microscope probe is demonstrated. A new method of non-contact magnetic-force measurements based on artificial increase in the electrostatic interaction between the probe and the film is proposed. This method enables one to controllably change the distance between a probe and a film, thus changing the strength of the magnetic interaction. Using it, one can create from a uniformly magnetized state both a labyrinth domain structure and isolated domains, which are apparently magnetic skyrmions.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Oxygen vacancy dynamics in monoclinic metallic VO 2 domain structures

It was demonstrated recently that the nano-optical and nanoelectronic properties of VO 2 can be spatially programmed through the local injection of oxygen vacancies by atomic force microscope writing. In this work, we study the dynamic evolution of the patterned domain structures as a function of the oxygen vacancy concentration and the time. A threshold doping level is identified that is critical for both the metal–insulator transition and the defect stabilization. The diffusion of oxygen vacancies in the monoclinic phase is also characterized, which is directly responsible for the short lifetimes of sub-100 nm domain structures. This information is imperative for the development of oxide nanoelectronics through defect manipulations.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Domain Structure and Magnetization Reversal Micromechanisms in Quasi-Two-Dimensional Exchange-Biased Nanomagnetics

Abstract—The domain structure and magnetization reversal mechanisms are studied in quasi-two-dimensional exchange-biased NiFe/FeMn and NiFe/NiO nanomagnetics, using a complex method of magnetooptical indicator films and acoustic emission. The presence of the axial dispersion of unidirectional anisotropy in grains of the antiferromagnetic layer is shown to determine the statistic distribution and chirality of spin springs near the interface. The acoustic emission signals caused by the excitation of elastic Lamb waves upon the magnetization reversal of NiFe/NiO heterostructure are found. The coercive force of these systems is due to irreversible processes to overcome potential barriers that are induced by the formation of spin springs with different chirality, localized in the antiferromagnetic near the ferromagnetic–antiferromagnetic boundary.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Hydrophilic domain structure in polymer exchange membranes: Simulations of NMR spin diffusion experiments to address ability for model discrimination

Here, we detail the development of a flexible simulation program (NMR_DIFFSIM) that solves the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin diffusion equation for arbitrary polymer architectures. The program was used to explore the proton ( 1 H) NMR spin diffusion behavior predicted for a range of geometrical models describing polymer exchange membranes. These results were also directly compared with the NMR spin diffusion behavior predicted for more complex domain structures obtained from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The numerical implementation and capabilities of NMR_DIFFSIM were demonstrated by evaluating the experimental NMR spin diffusion behavior for the hydrophilic domain structure in sulfonated Diels-Alder Poly(Phenylene) (SDAPP) polymer membranes. The impact of morphology variations as a function of sulfonation and hydration level on the resulting NMR spin diffusion behavior were determined. These simulations allowed us to critically address the ability of NMR spin diffusion to discriminate between different structural models, and to highlight the extremely high fidelity experimental data required to accomplish this. A direct comparison of experimental double-quantum-filtered 1 H NMR spin diffusion in SDAPP membranes to the spin diffusion behavior predicted for MD-proposed morphologies revealed excellent agreement, providing experimental support for the MD structures at low to moderate hydration levels.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Giant Undulations Driven by Pitch‐Angle Scattering of Time Domain Structures Modulated by Plasmapause Surface Wave

Abstract Plasmapause surface waves (PSWs) near the plasmapause boundary are regarded to be the magnetospheric source of ionospheric auroral giant undulations (GUs) located at the equatorward boundary of diffuse aurora. However, the observational evidence of wave‐particle interaction connecting PSWs and GUs is absent. In this letter, we demonstrate GUs are driven by pitch‐angle scattering of time domain structures modulated by the PSWs, based on the conjugated ionospheric and magnetospheric observations. Specifically, ionospheric GUs are lighted by the pitch‐angle scattering of <1 keV thermal electron and ions and energetic ions with energy up to dozens of keV near the plasmapause. Further, the total fluxes during one PSW period and energy of scattered electron and ions determine the size and luminosity of GUs. Our research provides observational evidence that PSWs cause periodic electron precipitation via modulating the time domain structures rather than the previously predicted chorus or electron cyclotron harmonic waves.

Zhou, Yi‐Jia [Weihai Institute for Interdisciplina↗

Weak ferromagnetism and nanodimensional ferroelectric domain structure stabilized in the polar phase of Bi{sub 1−x}Nd{sub x}FeO{sub 3} multiferroics via Ti doping

Crystal structure, microstructure, local ferroelectric, and magnetic properties of the Bi{sub 0.9}Nd{sub 0.1}Fe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} samples have been investigated at room temperature to reveal the effect of Ti{sup 4+} doping on the multiferroic behavior of the lanthanide-modified compound representing a polar (space group R3c) antiferromagnetic phase of the Bi{sub 1−x}Ln{sub x}FeO{sub 3} perovskites. Ti doping results in a gradual suppression of the rhombohedral distortions, however, symmetry of the crystal structure remains the same in the entire concentration range allowing the single-phase perovskites to be obtained (x ≤ 0.08). The doping tends to reduce existing lone-pair cation-driven polar displacements, thus giving rise to a decrease of the ferroelectric polarization in the Bi{sub 0.9}Nd{sub 0.1}Fe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} (x→0.08) series. A drastic (from ∼10 μm for x = 0 to ∼1 μm for 0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) decrease of the average grain size induced by the doping is accompanied by the formation of a ferroelectric domain structure with the average domain width of ∼40 nm. Finally, the doping was shown to induce an antiferromagnetic to weak ferromagnetic transformation. The maximum remanent magnetization observed in the Bi{sub 0.9}Nd{sub 0.1}Fe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} series at x ∼ 0.05 coincides with the locked magnetization releasing upon the magnetic field-induced suppression of the magnetic cycloid in pure BiFeO{sub 3}.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Hierarchical domain structure of lead-free piezoelectric (Na{sub 1/2} Bi{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3}-(K{sub 1/2} Bi{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3} single crystals

We report a unique hierarchical domain structure in single crystals of (Na{sub 1/2}Bi{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3}-xat. %(K{sub 1/2}Bi{sub 1/2})TiO{sub 3} for x = 5 and 8 by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A high density of polar nano-domains with a lamellar morphology was found, which were self-assembled into a quadrant-like configuration, which then assembled into conventional ferroelectric macro-domains. Studies by high resolution TEM revealed that the polar lamellar regions contained a coexistence of in-phase and anti-phase oxygen octahedral tilt regions of a few nanometers in size. Domain frustration over multiple length scales may play an important role in the stabilization of the hierarchy, and in reducing the piezoelectric response of this Pb-free piezoelectric solid solution.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Spatially modulated magnetic structure of EuS due to the tetragonal domain structure of SrTiO 3

The combination of ferromagnets with topological superconductors or insulators allows for new phases of matter that support excitations such as chiral edge modes and Majorana fermions. EuS, a wide-bandgap ferromagnetic insulator with a Curie temperature around 16K, and SrTiO 3 (STO), an important substrate for engineering heterostructures, may support these phases. We present scanning superconducting quantum interference device measurements of EuS grown epitaxially on STO that reveal micron-scale variations in ferromagnetism and paramagnetism. These variations are oriented along the STO crystal axes and only change their configuration upon thermal cycling above the STO cubic-to-tetragonal structural transition temperature at 105 K, indicating that the observed magnetic features are due to coupling between EuS and the STO tetragonal structure. Here, we speculate that the STO tetragonal distortions may strain the EuS, altering the magnetic anisotropy on a micron scale. This result demonstrates that local variation in the induced magnetic order from EuS grown on STO needs to be considered when engineering new phases of matter that require spatially homogeneous exchange.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗