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A series of papers about discovery of new ferroelectrics using PFM microscopy has recently been published. On the example of strained TiO2 thin films, which exhibit ferroelectric-like hysteresis loops, we have shown that PFM response can originate in electrochemical effects like migration of defects in the electric field. Additional experiments like temperature dependent second harmonic generation, IR spectroscopy of phonons and X-ray diffraction are always necessary for unambiguous confirmation of ferroelectric phase transitions.
Contact person: Stanislav Kamba