Phase field simulations of stress controlling the vortex domain structures in ferroelectric nanosheets

Effect of stress loads on the vortex domain structures (VDSs) in ferroelectric nanosheet has been investigated. Results of phase field simulations show that the different vortex domain structures can form in free-standing nanosheet from random perturbations. Applying stress loads on nanosheet, it is found that the domain morphology, especially the size and number of vortices, can be regularly controlled. These results indicate promising controlling the vortex domain structures in ferroelectric nanostructures by the mechanical loads. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3681379]