The impact of domain walls and surface conductivity on functional responses in ferroelectric films (IDAS)

Many remarkable functions of perovskite oxide ferroelectrics are related to the presence and properties of domains and domain walls in these materials. The behavior of domain walls in turn drastically depends on the conditions for the repolarization charge screening. This project focuses on modeling of ferroelectric domain walls and their patterns taking into account the transport of screening charges. Responses to applied electric, mechanical, and thermal stimuli will be studied. The modeling will be supported with microscopic observations and characterizations of dielectric, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric responses in thin films with different nano-stuctures. The project will contribute to fundamental understanding of nano-scale phenomena and functional responses in ferroelectric thin films.