Polarization control of electron tunneling into ferroelectric surfaces

Publication Type
Journal Article
Authors
DOI
10.1126/science.1171200
Abstract
We demonstrate a highly reproducible control of local electron transport through a ferroelectric oxide via its spontaneous polarization. Electrons are injected from the tip of an atomic force microscope into a thin film of lead-zirconate titanate, Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3, in the regime of electron tunneling assisted by a high electric field (Fowler-Nordheim tunneling). The tunneling current exhibits a pronounced hysteresis with abrupt switching events that coincide, within experimental resolution, with the local switching of ferroelectric polarization. The large spontaneous polarization of the PZT film results in up to 500-fold amplification of the tunneling current upon ferroelectric switching. The magnitude of the effect is subject to electrostatic control via ferroelectric switching, suggesting possible applications in ultrahigh-density data storage and spintronics.
Notes
cited By 337
Journal
Science
Volume
324
Year of Publication
2009
Number
5933
Pagination
1421-1425
ISSN Number
00368075
Keywords
Research Areas
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