Alternating atomic-dipole layers and switching dynamics in Al1-xScxN ferroelectrics
成果类型：
Article
署名作者：
Zheng, Yonghui; Bai, Ruirong; Xin, Tianjiao; Zhao, Xuanyu; Cheng, Yan; Wu, Yu-Ning; Wei, Yingfen; Ge, Binghui; Tian, He; Chen, Shiyou; Liu, Qi; Duan, Chungang; Liu, Ming
署名单位：
East China Normal University; Fudan University; Anhui University; Zhejiang University; Fudan University
刊物名称：
SCIENCE
ISSN/ISSBN：
0036-8075; 1095-9203
DOI：
10.1126/science.aee9639
发表日期：
2026-07-02
页码：
85-89
关键词：
摘要：
Wurtzite Al1-xScxN ferroelectrics exhibit exceptional polarization and thermal stability, making them highly promising for a wide range of electronic applications. However, a more profound understanding is required regarding the atomic-scale mechanism through which cation substitution lowers the switching energy barrier and thus reduces the coercive field. We used spherical aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy to reveal a periodic modulation of cation-anion spacing along the polarization direction, forming alternating atomic dipole layers. This modulation arises from energetically favorable chemical ordering of aluminum and scandium atoms between adjacent layers, with layer-resolved asymmetry in atomic arrangement. In situ imaging directly captures atomic-scale, noncollective, stepwise polarization switching, revealing intermediate states and local spacing fluctuations. Compositional inhomogeneity in these dipole layers creates multiple transient states that reduce the switching energy barrier. Our findings connect atomic-scale dipole structures to polarization switching kinetics, enabling the rational design of wurtzite ferroelectrics.
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