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Âé¶¹ÒùÔºics researchers discover new electronic phenomenon

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Âé¶¹ÒùÔºics researchers at the University of North Florida's Atomic LEGO Lab discovered a new electronic phenomenon they call "asymmetric ferroelectricity." The research led by Dr. Maitri Warusawithana, UNF physics assistant professor, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Illinois and the Arizona State University, demonstrated this phenomenon for the first time in engineered two-dimensional crystals.

This discovery of asymmetric ferroelectricity in engineered comes exactly 100 years following the discovery of ferroelectricity in certain naturally occurring crystals. Ferroelectric crystals—crystals that show two equal bistable polarization states—are now used in many high-tech applications including solid-state memory, RFID cards, sensors and precision actuators.

Utilizing atomic-scale materials design, the team of researchers has demonstrated a qualitatively new phenomenon, asymmetric ferroelectricity, for the first time. These engineered crystals lead to an asymmetric bi-stability with two unequal stable in contrast to a natural ferroelectric.

Warusawithana hopes this first observation of asymmetric achieved through materials-by-design will further research on tailored electronic properties and may find its way into interesting technological applications.

More information: Maitri P. Warusawithana et al, Asymmetric ferroelectricity by design in atomic-layer superlattices with broken inversion symmetry, Âé¶¹ÒùÔºical Review B (2021).

Journal information: Âé¶¹ÒùÔºical Review B

Citation: Âé¶¹ÒùÔºics researchers discover new electronic phenomenon (2021, August 11) retrieved 3 May 2025 from /news/2021-08-physics-electronic-phenomenon.html
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