Origin of long-lived photostriction in molecular ferroelectrics

ORAL

Abstract

Croconic Acid (CA) exhibits ferroelectricity due to proton displacement between molecules. Utilizing Time resolved x-ray spectroscopy under UV irradiation, we were able to observe lattice dilation effect with time scale over few seconds indicative of a long-lived metastable structure. The origin of the lattice dilation cannot be attributed to thermal effects due to its anisotropic characteristics. To elucidate the photon-induced electron structure change, current measurements were performed under different irradiation wavelengths of which only UV light exposure gives second-long excitation and relaxation time. Since the energy of the UV radiation is comparable to the bandgap in CA, the origin of photostriction could be solely attributed to the localized proton transfer between adjacent CA molecules.

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Presenters

  • Xuanyuan Jiang

    Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Physics, University of Nebraska Lincoln

Authors

  • Xuanyuan Jiang

    Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Physics, University of Nebraska Lincoln

  • Xiao Wang

    Department of Physics, Bryn Mawr College, physics, university of byrn mawr

  • Andy Clark

    Bryn Mawr College, Department of Physics, Bryn Mawr College, physics, university of byrn mawr

  • Shashi Poddar

    Physics, University of Nebraska Lincoln, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

  • Le Yu

    physics, university of byrn mawr

  • Anthony DiChiara

    Argonne National Labs, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439, USA, argonne natioal lab

  • Xuemei Cheng

    Bryn Mawr College, Department of Physics, Bryn Mawr College, physics, university of byrn mawr

  • Xiaoshan Xu

    Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Department of Physics and Astronomy & Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Physics, University of Nebraska Lincoln