Theoretical Studies on Controlling the Chirality of Helical Polarization Vortices in Ferroelectric Nanowires: Implications for Reconfigurable Electronic Devices

Abstract

Chiral polarization textures in ferroelectric nanosystems have attracted growing attention following the recent progress in nanomagnetism. Despite their growing interest, a clear understanding of the mechanisms for controlling the formation and behavior of topological polarization textures in these systems has remained elusive. In this study, we present the first theoretical investigation of polarization textures in BaTiO3/BaZr0.05Ti0.95O3 nanowires. Several topological polarization textures are formed as a result of the combined geometrical confinement and size effects. Interestingly, we observe a stable helical polarization vortex texture that possesses spiral-like precession of a vortex core around the central line of the nanowire. The formation of this helical polarization vortex originates from the balance effect between the geometrical confinement and dipole–dipole interactions of different ferroelectric phases that are present in the nanowires. The chirality of the helical polarization vortex can be controlled by external electric and mechanical fields. The findings pave a pathway for creating and controlling topological polar textures in ferroelectric nanowires toward the development of reconfigurable electronic devices.