Role of temperature-dependent electron trapping dynamics in the optically driven nanodomain transformation in a PbTiO${}_3$/SrTiO${}_3$ superlattice

Abstract

The spontaneously formed striped polarization nanodomain configuration of a PbTiO${}_3$/SrTiO${}_3$ superlattice transforms to a uniform polarization state under above-bandgap illumination with a time dependence varying with the intensity of optical illumination and a well-defined threshold intensity. Recovery after the end of illumination occurs over a temperature-dependent period of tens of seconds at room temperature and shorter times at elevated temperatures. A model in which the screening of the depolarization field depends on the population of trapped electrons correctly predicts the observed temperature and optical intensity dependence.

This article has been accepted by Applied Physics Letter