Terahertz field–induced ferroelectricity in quantum paraelectric SrTiO[subscript 3]
Author(s)
Li, Xian; Qiu, Tian; Zhang, Jiahao; Baldini, Edoardo; Lu, Jian; Rappe, Andrew M.; Nelson, Keith Adam; ... Show more Show less
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"Hidden phases” are metastable collective states of matter that are typically not accessible on equilibrium phase diagrams. These phases can host exotic properties in otherwise conventional materials and hence may enable novel functionality and applications, but their discovery and access are still in early stages. Using intense terahertz electric field excitation, we found that an ultrafast phase transition into a hidden ferroelectric phase can be dynamically induced in quantum paraelectric strontium titanate (SrTiO[subscript 3]). The induced lowering in crystal symmetry yields substantial changes in the phonon excitation spectra. Our results demonstrate collective coherent control over material structure, in which a single-cycle field drives ions along the microscopic pathway leading directly to their locations in a new crystalline phase on an ultrafast time scale.
Date issued
2019-06Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Chemistry; Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of PhysicsJournal
Science
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Citation
Li, Xian et al. "Terahertz field–induced ferroelectricity in quantum paraelectric SrTiO[subscript 3]." Science 364, 6445 (June 14, 2019): 1079-1082 © 2019 The Author(s)
Version: Original manuscript
ISSN
0036-8075
1095-9203