Domain Dynamics in Quantum-Paraelectric SrTiO_{3}

Phys Rev Lett. 2020 Jan 10;124(1):016801. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.124.016801.

Abstract

Twin dynamics forced by acoustic waves shows several linear and nonlinear response modes below T_{c}=106 K. In the quantum paraelectric state a "quantum domain glass" at 25 K<T<40 K shows intense relaxation and temperature hysteresis. Domains float collectively in a complex, smooth landscape with long relaxation times. In the "quantum domain solid" state below 25 K new phenomena occur. A temperature-dependent memory effect of the elastic response after anneal at 36 K depends on the lowest temperature reached in the quantum domain solid state below 25 K. The glassiness of twin boundary dynamics vanishes for temperatures approaching absolute zero.