Ferroelectric materials have set in motion numerous ultralow-energy-consuming
device concepts that can be integrated into state-of-the-art complementary
metal–oxide–semiconductor technology. Their nonvolatile,
spontaneous electric polarization makes them promising candidates
to control functionalities at the nanoscale with energy-efficient
electric fields only. In this spotlight article, we start with a brief
introduction to ferroelectric materials, the challenges involving
the design of thin films and review the state-of-the-art of their
integration into various electronic applications. Revolutionary in
situ and operando diagnostic tools allowing the monitoring of the
technology-relevant polarization state during the material design,
or its operation will be detailed. Concepts such as chiral states
in ferroelectrics and neuromorphic-type switching will be addressed
to provide a comprehensive view on the evolution of ferroelectric
states for the next generation of low-energy-consuming electronics.
Finally, we discuss the most recent developments in the field, including
the emergence of ferroelectricity at the nanoscale and in two-dimensional
systems.