Dynamic domain boundaries: chemical dopants carried by moving twin walls

Domain walls and specifically ferroelastic twin boundaries are depositaries and fast diffusion pathways for chemical dopants and intrinsic lattice defects. Ferroelastic domain patterns act as templates for chemical structures where the walls are the device and not the bulk. Several examples of such engineered domain boundaries are given. Moving twin boundaries are shown to carry with them the dopants, although the activation of this mechanism depends sensitively on the applied external force. If the force is too weak, the walls remain pinned while too strong forces break the walls free of the dopants and move them independently. Several experimental methods and approaches are discussed.

Automated summary

Domain walls and ferroelastic twin boundaries play important roles in the diffusion of chemical dopants and lattice defects. They can serve as templates for chemical structures and carry dopants when moved. However, the activation of this mechanism depends on the external force applied. This article discusses various experimental methods and approaches in this field.