Motion and teleportation of bubble skyrmions in low-dimensional ferroelectrics

Prof Laurent Bellaiche, University of Arkansas

Polar bubble domains are complex topological defects akin to magnetic skyrmions that can spontaneously form in ferroelectric thin films and superlattices. They can be deterministically written and deleted and exhibit a set of properties, such as sub-10 nm radius and room- temperature stability, that are highly attractive for dense data storage and recongurable nano-electronics technologies. However, possibilities of controlled motion of electric bubble skyrmions, a critical technology requirement currently remains missing. Here we present atomistic simulations that demonstrate how external electric-field perturbations can induce two types of motion of bubble skyrmions in low-dimensional tetragonal PbZr0.4Ti0.6O3 systems under residual depolarizing field.

About the speaker

Prof Laurent Bellaiche is a Scientific Associate Investigator at the University of Arkansas, where he leads first-principles-based theoretical studies of ferroelectrics, magnetic compounds, multiferroics and other semiconductors.

Within FLEET, Laurent works with Prof Nagy Valanoor in Research theme 1: topological materials, Research theme 2: exciton superfluids and Enabling technology A: atomically-thin materials, studying the properties of ferroelectric and ferromagnetic heterostructures, and novel topological oxides.