Flexoelectric Rectification of Charge Transport in Strain-Graded Dielectrics

Flexoelectricity is emerging as a fascinating means for exploring the physical properties of nanoscale materials. Here, we demonstrated the unusual coupling between electronic transport and the mechanical strain gradient in a dielectric epitaxial thin film. Utilizing the nanoscale strain gradient, we showed the unique functionality of flexoelectricity to generate a rectifying diode effect. Furthermore, using conductive atomic force microscopy, we found that the flexoelectric effect can govern the local transport characteristics, including spatial conduction inhomogeneities, in thin-film epitaxy systems. Consideration of the flexoelectric effect will improve understanding of the charge conduction mechanism at the nanoscale and may facilitate the advancement of novel nanoelectronic device design.