Three-dimensional domain identification in a single hexagonal manganite nanocrystal

Ahmed H. Mokhtar (), David Serban, Daniel G. Porter, Frank Lichtenberg, Stephen P. Collins, Alessandro Bombardi, Nicola A. Spaldin and Marcus C. Newton ()
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Ahmed H. Mokhtar: University of Southampton. University Road
David Serban: University of Southampton. University Road
Daniel G. Porter: Diamond Light Source. Harwell Science and Innovation Campus
Frank Lichtenberg: ETH Zurich. Ramistrasse 101
Stephen P. Collins: Diamond Light Source. Harwell Science and Innovation Campus
Alessandro Bombardi: Diamond Light Source. Harwell Science and Innovation Campus
Nicola A. Spaldin: ETH Zurich. Ramistrasse 101
Marcus C. Newton: University of Southampton. University Road

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract The three-dimensional domain structure of ferroelectric materials significantly influences their properties. The ferroelectric domain structure of improper multiferroics, such as YMnO3, is driven by a non-ferroelectric order parameter, leading to unique hexagonal vortex patterns and topologically protected domain walls. Characterizing the three-dimensional structure of these domains and domain walls has been elusive, however, due to a lack of suitable imaging techniques. Here, we present a multi-peak Bragg coherent x-ray diffraction imaging determination of the domain structure in single YMnO3 nanocrystals. We resolve two ferroelectric domains separated by a domain wall and confirm that the primary atomic displacements occur along the crystallographic c-axis. Correlation with atomistic simulations confirms the Mexican hat symmetry model of domain formation, identifying two domains with opposite ferroelectric polarization and adjacent trimerization, manifesting in a clockwise arrangement around the hat’s brim.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48002-z

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