Session V30: Focus Session: Multiferroic Properties of Oxide Films
8:00 AM–11:00 AM, Thursday, March 19, 2009
Room: 334
Sponsoring Units:
DMP GMAG
Chair: Jacabo Santamaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Abstract ID: BAPS.2009.MAR.V30.3
Abstract: V30.00003 : Ferroelectric Size-effect on BiFeO$_{3}$ Films in Ultra-high Vacuum
8:48 AM–9:00 AM
Preview Abstract
MathJax On | Off 
Abstract 
Authors:
Peter Maksymovych
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37831)
Stephen Jesse
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37831)
Sergey Lisenkov
(University of Arkansas, AK, 72701)
Laurent Bellaiche
(University of Arkansas, AK, 72701)
Nina Balke
(University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720)
Mark Huijben
(University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720)
Ramamoorthy Ramesh
(University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720)
Arthur P. Baddorf
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, 37831)
Sergei V. Kalinin
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN 37831)
The ferroelectric size effect is a highly pursued and controversial topic encompassing the scaling of polar distortion, domain structure and switchable polarization. We have studied epitaxial BiFeO$_{3}$ films using ultrahigh vacuum piezoresponse force microscopy. The films in vacuum develop out-of-plane polarization domains which, based on their lateral dimensions, drastically violate the Kittel law. From the analysis of the piezoresponse amplitude, we have established that the presence of a topographic island induces in-plane rotation of the polarization vector by 90$^{o}$. These findings are analyzed using a first-principles based model Hamiltonian approach. We have also obtained stable and reproducible piezoresponse hysteresis loops on the 2 nm films. Experiments conducted at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, sponsored by the Division of Scientific User Facilities, U.S. Department of Energy.
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2009.MAR.V30.3