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arXiv · 2605.02407

Photovoltaic creation of charged domain walls in barium titanate

P. S. Bednyakov·P. V. Yudin·A. K. Tagantsev·J. Hlinka
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Abstract

The optical control of domain structures in ferroelectrics is of great interest. In the present work, we demonstrate the reliable creation of charged domain walls - conductive channels in otherwise insulating barium titanate - by a combined effect of light and electric field. We propose a scenario for the documented process, in which the bulk photovoltaic effect plays the key role, providing charge screening at the walls. Our scenario is supported by the results of phase-field simulations. The results are of interest for future reconfigurable electronic and opto-electronic devices.

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P. S. Bednyakov, P. V. Yudin, A. K. Tagantsev, J. Hlinka. 2026-05-04. Photovoltaic creation of charged domain walls in barium titanate. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43246-026-01328-1

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