Electric torsion effect in a ferroelectric nanodot

Polar topologies with exotic textures and functionalities in low-dimensional ferroelectrics are recently drawing extensive attention. Elucidating the mechanical responses caused by the phase transitions under external excitation, especially the torsional response still unclear, is quite significant for the development of ferroelectric actuators. Here, using phase-field simulation, we propose a scheme to produce local torsional force via electric field excitation, namely, the electric torsion effect in a ferroelectric nanodot. The results indicate that the twisting response originating from the structural phase transitions between vortex and helical states is tunable in magnitude and orientation by manipulating the external electric fields. This work provides further insight into the electromechanical response of polar topologies and could be conducive to facilitating the development of torsion-based device applications in ferroelectric nanoelectronics. Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.

Automated summary

Polar topologies with exotic textures and functionalities in low-dimensional ferroelectrics have been receiving extensive attention. This study proposes a scheme to generate local torsional force through electric field excitation, namely the electric torsion effect in a ferroelectric nanodot, using phase-field simulation. The results demonstrate that the twisting response resulting from structural phase transitions between vortex and helical states can be controlled by manipulating the external electric fields in terms of magnitude and orientation. This work provides further understanding of the electromechanical response of polar topologies and may facilitate the development of torsion-based device applications in ferroelectric nanoelectronics.