Atomic-Scale Tracking Topological Phase Transition Dynamics of Polar Vortex-Antivortex Pairs

Tuesday publication update! Non-trivial topological structures, such as vortex-antivortex (V-AV) pairs, have gained attention in the field of condensed matter physics. Despite their significance, the detailed dynamics of V-

AV phase transitions—encompassing self-annihilation, motion, and dissociation—have remained elusive in real space. This newest article in Advanced Materials looks into these materials using the #FusionAX system!

Here, polar V-AV pairs were used as a model system to uncover their transition pathways with atomic-scale precision. By utilizing in situ (scanning) transmission electron microscopy and phase field simulations, together with extensive focused-ion beam preparation methods, the following things were discovered:

️ Polar vortices and antivortices stably coexist as bound pairs at room temperature, with their polarization decreasing as the temperature increases.

No dissociation is observed between the V-AV phase at room temperature and the paraelectric phase at high temperature.

⚡ Applying electric fields promotes the approach of vortex and antivortex cores, leading to their annihilation near the interface.

This research sheds light on the intricate dynamics of these topological structures. Understanding the role of polar antivortices in these transitions provides new insights into the nature of topological phases of matter.

Want to read the entire paper?
Find it here! https://www.doi.org/10.1002/adma.202312072

#findyourbreakthrough #Protochips #insitumicroscopy #condensedmatter #vortexstudies #materialsscience

In the video you can see how the vortex state of these materials is restored after removing the electric field.