Title
Patterning ferroelectrics
Technique
Atomic Force Microscopy-Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM) mode.
Description
Here you can see ferroelectric thin film of barium titanate (BTO) functionalized with self-assembled layer of aminobenzoic acid (ABA) molecules. For functionalization we used microcontract printing technique, whereby molecules are transferred to the substrate using polymer stamp. Process is very similar to actual “stamping” process where ink, stamp and paper are used. Using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy, we could distinguish between pristine BTO thin film (light blue) and ABA molecular layer, here in form of squares (dark blue), based on the difference in their work functions.

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Technical specifications
Sample was grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD).
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