Novel complex phenomena in ferroelectric nanocomposites

J Phys Condens Matter. 2012 Oct 10;24(40):402201. doi: 10.1088/0953-8984/24/40/402201. Epub 2012 Sep 12.

Abstract

A first-principles-based effective Hamiltonian is used to investigate finite-temperature properties of ferroelectric nanocomposites made of periodic arrays of ferroelectric nanowires embedded in a matrix formed by another ferroelectric material. Novel transitions and features related to flux-closure configurations are found. Examples include (i) a vortex core transition, that is characterized by the change of the vortex cores from being axisymmetric to exhibiting a 'broken symmetry'; (ii) translational mode of the vortex cores; (iii) striking zigzag dipolar chains along the vortex core axis; and (iv) phase-locking of ferroelectric vortices accompanied by ferroelectric antivortices. These complex phenomena are all found to coexist with a spontaneous electrical polarization aligned along the normal of the plane containing the vortices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles / ultrastructure*
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Thermal Conductivity

Substances

  • Magnetite Nanoparticles