Interplay between Point and Extended Defects and Their Effects on Jerky Domain-Wall Motion in Ferroelectric Thin Films

Defects have a significant influence on the polarization and electromechanical properties of ferroelectric materials. Statistically, they can be seen as random pinning centers acting on an elastic manifold, slowing domain-wall propagation and raising the energy required to switch polarization. Here we show that the “dressing” of defects can lead to unprecedented control of domain-wall dynamics. We engineer defects of two different dimensionalities in ferroelectric oxide thin films—point defects externally induced via He²⁺ bombardment, and extended quasi-one-dimensional 𝑎 domains formed in response to internal strains. The 𝑎 domains act as extended strong pinning sites (as expected) imposing highly localized directional constraints. Surprisingly, the induced point defects in the He²⁺ bombarded samples orient and align to impose further directional pinning, screening the effect of 𝑎 domains. This defect interplay produces more uniform and predictable domain-wall dynamics. Such engineered interactions between defects are crucial for advancements in ferroelectric devices.