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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

All-optical seeding of a light-induced phase transition with correlated disorder

Ultrafast manipulation of vibrational coherence is an emergent route to control the structure of solids. However, this strategy can only induce long-range correlations and cannot modify atomic structure locally, which is required in many technologically-relevant phase transitions. Here, we demonstrate that ultrafast lasers can generate incoherent structural fluctuations which are more efficient for material control than coherent vibrations, extending optical control to a wider range of materials. We observe that local, non-equilibrium lattice distortions generated by a weak laser pulse reduce the energy barrier to switch between insulating and metallic states in vanadium dioxide by 6%. In conclusion, seeding inhomogeneous structural-fluctuations presents an alternative, more energy efficient, route for controlling materials that may be applicable to all solids, including those used in data and energy storage devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fiber loop quantum buffer for photonic qubits

Abstract We report a fiber loop quantum buffer based on a low-loss 2 × 2 switch and a unit delay made of a fiber delay line. We characterize the device by using a two-photon polarization entangled state in which one photon of the entangled photon pair is stored and retrieved at a repetition rate up to 78 kHz. The device, which enables integer multiples of a unit delay, can store the qubit state in a unit of fiber delay line up to 5.4 km and the number of loop round-trips up to 3. Furthermore, we configure the device with other active elements to realize integer multiplier and divider of a unit delay of a qubit. The quantum state tomography is performed on the retrieved photon and its entangled photon. We obtain a state fidelity > 94 % with a maximum storage time of 52 s with an insertion loss of 5.56 dB. To further characterize the storing and retrieving processes of the device, we perform entanglement-assisted quantum process tomography on the buffered qubit state. The process fidelity of the device is > 0.98. Our result implies that the device preserves the superposition and entanglement of a qubit state from a two-photon polarization-entangled state. This is a significant step towards facilitating applications in optical asynchronous transfer mode based quantum networks.

Fook Lee, Kim (ORCID:0000000290901640)↗
DOE OSTI2020

Evaluation and Demonstration of Intrusion Detection for Spent Fuel Storage Facilities

The IAEA recommends dual containment and surveillance (C/S) systems for difficult to access or difficult to measure spent fuel storage areas. However, many storage areas have limitations that prevent traditional secondary C/S systems, such as radiation levels too high for inspectors to apply individual Tamper Indicating Devices (TID) or have physical impedances to the use of TIDs. Recent developments in C/S technology include Laser Curtain for Containment (LCCT) technology implemented at Atucha-1 power plant in Argentina. The LCCT is a new approach to perimeter-wide C/S and the IAEA has granted provisional approval for its use as one of two required C/S systems. This proposal focuses on investigating and testing new and evolving completely passive (or ultra-low power) tamper indicating systems that will provide backup C/S to the LCCT even during power outages. An investigation of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) technology will be conducted to identify readily available options. Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) fibers will also be investigated. OSL fibers are a passive technology that can measure radiation dose by knocking an electron into a metastable state where it remains until the fiber is interrogated with light. The goal of this project would be to investigate COTS technologies that can be used in low or no power scenarios for radiation detection as well as test and evaluate OSL technology, which can operate passively in no power scenarios. Limitations for each technology will be determined and documented in an effort to determine the best technology for spent fuel storage monitoring.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2020

Smart Composite Pressure Vessels (SCPV) with Integrated Health Monitoring

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is promoting and developing more energy efficient and environmentally friendly technologies that will enable America to use less petroleum. Hydrogen fuel cells – which directly convert the chemical energy in hydrogen to electricity with only water and heat as byproducts – are a very attractive solution that can enable this to happen. To date, DOE's efforts have culminated in commercial demonstration of on-board vehicular hydrogen storage systems that can allow for a driving range of greater than 300 miles. This requires storing 5 Kgs of hydrogen onboard a light vehicle. In order to store this quantity of hydrogen, the hydrogen gas needs to be stored in a composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) at a very high internal pressure. The objective of the program was to demonstrate continuous and predictable health-monitoring of composite pressure vessels. A higher confidence in the operational safety of the vessels will lead to reduced burst factor of safety imposed by regulatory standards and hence will help reduce the structural wall thickness that drives the cost of the vessel. Highly optimized Type III (metal lined) and Type IV (polymer lined) COPVs that are manufactured using filament winding process have been designed and qualified for the above mentioned application. However, the main structural component of the COPVs is carbon fiber and the high cost of carbon fiber composite in a pressure vessel is a primary challenge in reducing the cost of gaseous hydrogen storage. Continuous and remote monitoring of structural health of the COPVs as well as optimization of the strength translation of carbon fibers have the potential to allow for reduced factor of safety, thereby reduced amount of carbon and associated cost of the vessel. In the current program, the project team including Steelhead Composites (SHC), University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), Teijin Carbon America, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and LUNA designed, fabricated, and tested smart composite pressure vessels with integrated sensors. Iterative loops of design and testing using coupons, subscale STEB vessels and full size vessels proved that a new generation of high performance carbon fiber can be used for efficient design of Type 3 vessels for H2 storage. Novel analysis techniques were developed to predict the initiation and propagation of interlaminar damage inside the composite shell due to impact damage, a real threat in practical operation. Such an analysis scheme is typically not used in tank design but is an essential tool for health monitoring of composite vessels. Remote sensing of the key signatures of the tank’s operating parameters such as pressure, acceleration and humidity was demonstrated using a unique device that can wirelessly transmit and stream the data to a remote server. Fiber optic sensors were successfully integrated during fabrication of the tanks. These sensors provide a wealth of information regarding the structural health of the vessel when it is subsequently pressurized or subjected to impact damage. Excellent correlation was demonstrated between the fiber optic sensor and mechanical strain gage data, and between the measurements and analytical predictions.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2023

Femtosecond Laser-Induced Nano-Joining of Volatile Tellurium Nanotube Memristor

Nanowire/nanotube memristor devices provide great potential for random-access high-density resistance storage. However, fabricating high-quality and stable memristors is still challenging. This paper reports multileveled resistance states of tellurium (Te) nanotube based on the clean-room free femtosecond laser nano-joining method. The temperature for the entire fabrication process was maintained below 190 °C. A femtosecond laser joining technique was used to form nanowire memristor units with enhanced properties. Femtosecond (fs) laser-irradiated silver-tellurium nanotube-silver structures resulted in plasmonic-enhanced optical joining with minimal local thermal effects. This produced a junction between the Te nanotube and the silver film substrate with enhanced electrical contacts. Noticeable changes in memristor behavior were observed after fs laser irradiation. Capacitor-coupled multilevel memristor behavior was observed. Compared to previous metal oxide nanowire-based memristors, the reported Te nanotube memristor system displayed a nearly two-order stronger current response. The research displays that the multileveled resistance state is rewritable with a negative bias.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Encoding multistate charge order and chirality in endotaxial heterostructures

Abstract High-density phase change memory (PCM) storage is proposed for materials with multiple intermediate resistance states, which have been observed in 1 T -TaS 2 due to charge density wave (CDW) phase transitions. However, the metastability responsible for this behavior makes the presence of multistate switching unpredictable in TaS 2 devices. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of nanothick verti-lateral H -TaS 2 /1 T -TaS 2 heterostructures in which the number of endotaxial metallic H -TaS 2 monolayers dictates the number of resistance transitions in 1 T -TaS 2 lamellae near room temperature. Further, we also observe optically active heterochirality in the CDW superlattice structure, which is modulated in concert with the resistivity steps, and we show how strain engineering can be used to nucleate these polytype conversions. This work positions the principle of endotaxial heterostructures as a promising conceptual framework for reliable, non-volatile, and multi-level switching of structure, chirality, and resistance.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Perovskite-Derivative Valleytronics

Halide perovskites are revolutionizing the renewable energy sector owing to their high photovoltaic efficiency, low manufacturing cost, and flexibility. Their remarkable mobility and long carrier lifetime are also valuable for information technology, but fundamental challenges like poor stability under an electric field prevent realistic applications of halide perovskites in electronics. Here, it is discovered that valleytronics is a promising route to leverage the advantages of halide perovskites and derivatives for information storage and processing. The synthesized all-inorganic lead-free perovskite derivative, Cs 3 Bi 2 I 9 , exhibits strong light-matter interaction and parity-dependent optically addressable valley degree of freedom. In this work, robust optical helicity in all odd-layer-number crystals with inversion symmetry breaking is observed, indicating excitonic coherence extending well beyond 11 layers. The excellent optical and valley properties of Cs 3 Bi 2 I 9 arise from the unique parallel bands, according to first principles calculations. This discovery points to new materials design principles for scalable valleytronic devices and demonstrates the promise of perovskite derivatives beyond energy applications.

2D materials↗
DOE OSTI2021

Using In Situ High-Energy X-ray Diffraction to Quantify Electrode Behavior of Li-Ion Batteries from Extreme Fast Charging

Extreme fast charging (XFC, =15 min charging time) of Li-ion batteries (LIBs) has been proposed as an immediate target to increase the commercial appeal of electric vehicles. However, XFC of LIBs is associated with the degradation of battery performance and safety concerns. Quantitative and simultaneous characterization of various components during cell degradation represents a major experimental challenge. In this work, we outline a methodology for the use of spatially resolved, high-energy X-ray diffraction as a quantitative, in situ method of mapping the degradation of LIBs. We use this approach to study the battery cell capacity loss, both locally (mm scale) and globally over the entire cell (cm scale). Specifically, our workflow allows us to quantify the total amount of plated Li on the anode, as well as its spatial correlation to the structural properties of the anode and cathode. The method complements existing optical methods to resolve the spatial heterogeneity of local degradation mechanisms such as Li plating and provides simultaneous insights into concomitant anode state-of-charge variability. We apply it to commercially relevant single-layer pouch cells with the graphite anode and the LiNi 0.5 Mn 0.3 Co 0.2 O 2 cathode. Our results show that Li plating occurs heterogeneously on the graphite anode and that it is spatially correlated to the extent of anode lithiation. In this work, we anticipate that the described workflow will allow for understanding multiscale degradation in energy-storage devices beyond LIBs, where quantitative analysis at a local and global length scale can be performed without the necessity to tear down the device, due to the applicability of high-energy X-rays to probe in situ degradation.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Direct-write orientation of charge-transfer liquid crystals enables polarization-based coding and encryption

Abstract Optical polarizers encompass a class of anisotropic materials that pass-through discrete orientations of light and are found in wide-ranging technologies, from windows and glasses to cameras, digital displays and photonic devices. The wire-grids, ordered surfaces, and aligned nanomaterials used to make polarized films cannot be easily reconfigured once aligned, limiting their use to stationary cross-polarizers in, for example, liquid crystal displays. Here we describe a supramolecular material set and patterning approach where the polarization angle in stand-alone films can be precisely defined at the single pixel level and reconfigured following initial alignment. This capability enables new routes for non-binary information storage, retrieval, and intrinsic encryption, and it suggests future technologies such as photonic chips that can be reconfigured using non-contact patterning.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Strain-concentration for fast, compact photonic modulation and non-volatile memory

A critical figure of merit (FoM) for electro-optic (EO) modulators is the transmission change per voltage, d T / d V . Conventional approaches in wave-guided modulators maximize d T / d V via a high EO coefficient or longer light-material interaction lengths but are ultimately limited by material losses and nonlinearities. Optical and RF resonances improve d T / d V at the cost of spectral non-uniformity, especially for high- Q optical cavity resonances. Here, we introduce an EO modulator based on piezo-strain-concentration of a photonic crystal cavity to address both trade-offs: (i) it eliminates the trade-off between d T / d V and waveguide loss—i.e., enhancement of the resonance tuning efficiency d v c / d V for the fixed EO coefficient, waveguide length, and cavity Q —and (ii) at high DC strains it exhibits a non-volatile (NV) cavity tuning Δ v c ,NV for passive memory and programming of multiple devices into resonance despite fabrication variations. The device is fabricated on a scalable silicon nitride-on-aluminum nitride platform. We measure d v c / d V =177±1MHz/V, corresponding to Δ v c =40±0.32GHz for a voltage spanning ±120V with an energy consumption of δ U /Δ v c =0.17nW/GHz. The modulation bandwidth is flat up to ω BW,3dB /2 π =3.2±0.07MHz for broadband DC-AC and 142±17MHz for resonant operation near a 2.8 GHz mechanical resonance. Optical extinction up to 25 dB is obtained via Fano-type interference. Strain-induced beam-buckling modes are programmable under a “read-write” protocol with a continuous, repeatable tuning range of 5±0.25GHz, allowing for storage and retrieval, which we quantify with mutual information of 2.4 bits and a maximum non-volatile excursion of 8 GHz. Using a full piezo-optical finite-element-model (FEM) we identify key design principles for optimizing strain-based modulators and chart a path towards achieving performance comparable to lithium niobate-based modulators and the study of high strain physics on-chip.

Wen, Y. Henry (ORCID:0009000685423628)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Synthesis of 2D layered transition metal (Ni, Co) hydroxides via edge-on condensation

Abstract Layered transition metal hydroxides (LTMHs) with transition metal centers sandwiched between layers of coordinating hydroxide anions have attracted considerable interest for their potential in developing clean energy sources and storage technologies. However, two-dimensional (2D) LTMHs remain largely understudied in terms of physical properties and applications in electronic devices. Here, for the first time we report > 20 μm α-Ni(OH) 2 2D crystals, synthesized from hydrothermal reaction. And an edge-on condensation mechanism assisted with the crystal field geometry is proposed to understand the 2D intra-planar growth of the crystals, which is also testified through series of systematic comparative studies. We also report the successful synthesis of 2D Co(OH) 2 crystals (> 40 μm) with more irregular shape due to the slightly distorted octahedral geometry of the crystal field. Moreover, the detailed structural characterization of synthesized α-Ni(OH) 2 are performed. The optical band gap energy is extrapolated as 2.54 eV from optical absorption measurements and the electronic bandgap is measured as 2.52 eV from reflected electrons energy loss spectroscopy (REELS). We further demonstrate its potential as a wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor for high voltage operation in 2D electronics with a high breakdown strength, 4.77 MV/cm with 4.9 nm thickness. The successful realization of the 2D LTMHs opens the door for future exploration of more fundamental physical properties and device applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Chapter 14: Surface plasmon resonance enhanced artificial photosynthesis of chemical fuels for energy storage

Nanostructured noble metals such as Au, Ag, and Cu have interesting optical properties because of the oscillation motions of their surface electrons upon strong coupling with light under resonance conditions. This resonant oscillation motion of conduction electrons refers to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and localized SPR (LSPR) when localized near the surface of a nanoparticle. The extinction spectrum of a solution of plasmonic nanoparticles has tunable wavelength responses from UV to NIR due to strong light scattering and absorption which are highly sensitive to the permittivity of the nanoparticles, their sizes and shapes, and chemical environment. Strong light scattering due to the LSPR of plasmonic nanoparticles creates a strong localized and far-field intensity capable of enhancing light absorption characteristics of a chromophore near a plasmonic surface. Engineering the chromophores’ radiative decay dynamics can be done by 1) increasing its radiative decay rate to increase its photoluminescence intensity and 2) increasing its nonradiative decay rates associated to direct charge transfer to the metal surface. Such interesting photophysical properties of a chromophore can be extended to other light-absorbing materials such as semiconductor thin films and nanostructures. This plasmonic effect on the photophysics of a light-absorbing material can be theoretically and experimentally validated. The phenomenon has also been applied to advanced optoelectronic devices such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLED)1 and organic photovoltaics (OPV).2-4 The local field created by the SPR can provide an intense EM field to enhance photoluminescence emission of an organic chromophore5-8 and Raman scattering of an organic molecule, and single-molecule Raman9-10 can be detected on specially designed LSPR substrate. (Figure 1 on SPR for energy) Recent studies suggest that LSPR can be incorporated in light-harvesting and conversion systems to increase energy conversion in a solar cell and photoelectrochemical cell and chemical transformations of CO2 to chemical fuels.11-12 Plasmonic active metals naturally exhibit catalytic activities for electrochemical fuel conversion that can be enhanced by engineering their structures to form unique catalytic structures such as symmetry-broken Au-Cu Janus nanocrystals.13 These studies are critical to addressing the global challenges of energy14-15 and CO2 emission from nonrenewable sources such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas.16-17 Electrochemical systems comprised of unique photonic structures and functions that enable efficient and affordable energy harvesting/conversion/storage are highly desired for providing safe and environment-friendly energy sources. This chapter reviews our recent work of LSPR enabled photoelectrochemical water splitting and recent advances in LSPR-enabled CO2 reduction and photochemical reactions reported in the literature. Scientific and technical challenges of applying LSPR to enhance these energy conversion and storage systems are discussed at the conclusion of this chapter.

Pan, Shanlin↗
DOE OSTI2022

A mechanistic study of the dopant-induced breakdown in halide perovskites using solid state energy storage devices

Doping halide perovskites (HPs) with extrinsic species, such as alkali metal ions, plays a critical, albeit often elusive role in optimising optoelectronic devices. Here, we use solid state lithium ion battery inspired devices with a polyethylene oxide-based polymer electrolyte to dope HPs controllably with lithium ions. We perform a suite of operando material analysis techniques while dynamically varying Li doping concentrations. We determine and quantify three doping regimes; a safe regime, with doping concentrations of <10 20 cm –3 (2% Li : Pb mol%) in which the HP may be modified without detrimental effect to its structure; a minor decomposition regime, in which the HP is partially transformed but remains the dominant species; and a major decomposition regime in which the perovskite is superseded by new phases. We provide a mechanistic description of the processes mediating between each stage and find evidence for metallic Pb (0) , LiBr and LiPbBr 2 as final decomposition products. Combining results from synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements with in situ photoluminescence and optical reflection microscopy studies, we distinguish the influences of free charge carriers and intercalated lithium independently. We find that the charge density is equally as important as the geometric considerations of the dopant species and thereby provide a quantitative framework upon which the future design of doped-perovskite energy devices should be based.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Impact of Oxygen Non-Stoichiometry on Near-Ambient Temperature Ionic Mobility in Polaronic Mixed-Ionic-Electronic Conducting Thin Films

Enhanced ionic mobility in mixed ionic and electronic conducting solids contributes to improved performance of memristive memory, energy storage and conversion, and catalytic devices. Ionic mobility can be significantly depressed at reduced temperatures, for example, due to defect association and therefore needs to be monitored. Measurements of ionic transport in mixed conductors, however, proves to be difficult due to dominant electronic conductivity. This study examines the impact of different levels of quenched-in oxygen deficiency on the oxygen vacancy mobility near room temperature as measured by a novel dynamic current-voltage analysis. A Pr 0.1 Ce 0.9 O 2-δ film was grown by pulsed laser deposition and subsequently annealed, from 400-600° C, in various oxygen partial pressures to modify its oxygen vacancy concentration while minimizing microstructural growth and cation segregation. To monitor changes in film non-stoichiometry, we leverage the existence of an optical absorption center, related to the oxidation state of Pr ions in Pr0.1Ce0.9O2-δ. The oxygen vacancy migration enthalpy was found to exhibit a small increase from 0.73± 0.04 to 0.79 ± 0.02 eV with increasing oxygen deficiency, while the pre-factor was found to increase by a factor of 135. Here, a nearly 13-fold increase in ionic mobility at 60 °C for increases in oxygen non-stoichiometry from 0.032 ± 0.001 to 0.042± 0.001 was thereby detected. Raman spectroscopy was employed to rule out changes in strain as the primary cause for the significant change in mobility. Several factors potentially contributing to the large pre-factor changes are examined and discussed. Insights into how ionic defect concentration can markedly impact ionic mobility should help in elucidating the origins of variations seen in nanoionic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Substitutional doping of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides for device applications: Current status, challenges and prospects

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have emerged as a class of materials with exceptional electronic, optical, and mechanical properties, making them highly tunable for diverse applications in nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, and catalysis. Here, this review focuses on substitutional doping of TMDs, a key strategy to tailor their properties and enhance device performance, with a focus on its applications over the past five years (2019–2024). We delve into both theoretical and experimental doping approaches, including established methods like chemical vapor transport (CVT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) alongside liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) and post-synthesis treatments. Advanced growth techniques are also explored. Challenges like dopant uniformity, concentration control, and stability are addressed. The influence of various dopants on the electronic band structure, carrier concentration, and defect engineering is analyzed in detail. We further explore recent advancements in utilizing doped TMDs for field-effect transistors (FETs), photodetectors, sensors, photovoltaics, optoelectronic devices, energy storage and conversion, and even quantum computers. By examining both the potential and limitations of substitutional doping, this review aims to propel future research and technological advancements in this exciting field.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Progress toward picosecond on-chip magnetic memory

Here, we offer a perspective on the prospects of ultrafast spintronics and opto-magnetism as a pathway to high-performance, energy-efficient, and non-volatile embedded memory in digital integrated circuit applications. Conventional spintronic devices, such as spin-transfer-torque magnetic-resistive random-access memory (STT-MRAM) and spin–orbit torque MRAM, are promising due to their non-volatility, energy-efficiency, and high endurance. STT-MRAMs are now entering into the commercial market; however, they are limited in write speed to the nanosecond timescale. Improvement in the write speed of spintronic devices can significantly increase their usefulness as viable alternatives to the existing CMOS-based devices. In this article, we discuss recent studies that advance the field of ultrafast spintronics and opto-magnetism. An optimized ferromagnet–ferrimagnet exchange-coupled magnetic stack, which can serve as the free layer of a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ), can be optically switched in as fast as ~3 ps. Integration of ultrafast magnetic switching of a similar stack into an MTJ device has enabled electrical readout of the switched state using a relatively larger tunneling magnetoresistance ratio. Purely electronic ultrafast spin–orbit torque induced switching of a ferromagnet has been demonstrated using ~6 ps long charge current pulses. We conclude our Perspective by discussing some of the challenges that remain to be addressed to accelerate ultrafast spintronics technologies toward practical implementation in high-performance digital information processing systems.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Intercalation of quaternary ammonium cations as a key factor of electron storage in MoS2 thin films

Electrochemical intercalation of cations within two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides presents a promising route for tailoring their optoelectronic properties. We have now succeeded in modulating the optical properties of MoS2 thin films through electrochemical intercalation of quaternary ammonium cations. The spectroelectrochemical experiments conducted with varying sizes of the intercalant revealed the size-dependent stability of the intercalated MoS2 nanosheets. The observed absorption change of the exciton bands is reversible and arises from the storage of electrons in MoS2 nanosheets and the subsequent weakening of interlayer van der Waals interactions following cation intercalation. This structural change is evidenced by the emergence of A*1g out-of-plane Raman mode. Additionally, the photoelectron spectroscopy reveals the emergence of a lower binding energy component of Mo 3d and the shift in Fermi level to higher energies, confirming the presence of stored electrons in cation intercalated-MoS2. The underlying mechanism of intercalation-induced property modifications in MoS2 discussed in the present study is useful in developing strategies for energy conversion devices.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2023

Sub‐Nanosecond Reconfiguration of Ferroelectric Domains in Bismuth Ferrite

Abstract Domain switching is crucial for achieving desired functions in ferroic materials that are used in various applications. Fast control of domains at sub‐nanosecond timescales remains a challenge despite its potential for high‐speed operation in random‐access memories, photonic, and nanoelectronic devices. Here, ultrafast laser excitation is shown to transiently melt and reconfigure ferroelectric stripe domains in multiferroic bismuth ferrite on a timescale faster than 100 picoseconds. This dynamic behavior is visualized by picosecond‐ and nanometer‐resolved X‐ray diffraction and time‐resolved X‐ray diffuse scattering. The disordering of stripe domains is attributed to the screening of depolarization fields by photogenerated carriers resulting in the formation of charged domain walls, as supported by phase‐field simulations. Furthermore, the recovery of disordered domains exhibits subdiffusive growth on nanosecond timescales, with a non‐equilibrium domain velocity reaching up to 10 m s −1 . These findings present a new approach to image and manipulate ferroelectric domains on sub‐nanosecond timescales, which can be further extended into other complex photoferroic systems to modulate their electronic, optical, and magnetic properties beyond gigahertz frequencies. This approach could pave the way for high‐speed ferroelectric data storage and computing, and, more broadly, defines new approaches for visualizing the non‐equilibrium dynamics of heterogeneous and disordered materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗