Quantum paraelectric to ferroelectric transition in strained SrTiO₃ membrane

Quantum materials, particularly in novel forms, hold immense potential for manipulating material properties and future quantum technological applications. By synthesizing quantum materials in the membrane form, extreme tensile strain can be achieved that are otherwise unattainable in bulk forms. In this work, we present a comprehensive study into the quantum paraelectric to ferroelectric transition induced by tensile strain in single crystal SrTiO₃ (STO) membranes. Our study showcases precise control over lattice parameters, revealing a reversible change in lattice constants over 1%. Temperature-strain phase diagram of emergent ferroelectric order has been constructed. Our study not only sheds light on the nature of the quantum paraelectric to ferroelectric transition in STO but also paves the way for a deeper comprehension of membrane-based quantum materials through multimodal synchrotron probes.