Domain Wall Orientations in Ferroelectric Superlattices Probed with Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction

Abstract: Ferroelectric domains in PbTiO$_3$/SrTiO$_3$ superlattices were studied using synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Macroscopic measurements revealed a change in the domain wall orientation from $\left\lbrace 100 \right\rbrace $ to $\left\lbrace 110 \right\rbrace $ crystallographic planes with increasing temperature. The temperature range of this reorientation depends on the ferroelectric layer thickness and domain period. Using a nanofocused beam, local changes in domain wall orientation within the buried ferroelectric layers were imaged, both in structurally uniform regions of the sample and near defect sites and argon ion etched patterns. Domain walls were found to exhibit preferential alignment with the straight edges of the etched patterns as well as with structural features associated with defect sites. The distribution of out-of-plane lattice parameters was mapped around one such feature, showing that it is accompanied by inhomogeneous strain and large strain gradients.