Special Blog Post by Yevhen Brych
On the eve of Valentine’s day Lima was officially promoted from phd candidate to phd student. At his stage transfer presentation Lima outlined his project goal to switch ferroelectric materials in liquid. Lima first introduced the material class of ferroelectrics, pitching them as a competitor to silicon based technologies. He explained that ferroelectric materials are built up from smaller domains which are broadly known for being polarisable with an electric field. Lima also discussed other exotic ways to pole domains such as with light and mechanical strain. This inspired him to pursue electrochemical switching in liquid. Lima stated that this was a necessity because ferroelectric behaviour is heavily influenced by atmospheric conditions. Liquids provide a controlled environment, a way to standardize these measurements. Lima also argued that liquid switching of ferroelectric materials would increase device applications and reliability.
Lima then presented some preliminary piezo force microscopy results on barium titanate samples. He showed that the phase of the domains (orientation of poles) can be switched with mechanical force. One of the challenges with liquid switching is identifying a suitable ionic solution as well as a module to submerge the sample during the measurement. However he assured the audience that a custom liquid cell for his measurements is in the works.
Overall Lima was able to convince the stage transfer panel about the feasibility of this measurement with detailed objectives. As well as a plan to overcome the challenges with liquid switching of ferroelectric materials.
