Phys.org  November 19, 2021 Bubble-like domains, typically a precursor to the electrical skyrmions, arise in ultrathin complex oxide ferroelectric–dielectric–ferroelectric heterostructures epitaxially clamped with flat substrates. An international team of researchers (USA – Argonne National Laboratory, University of Arkansas, University of Chicago, Australia) peeled off heterostructure thin films containing electrical bubbles from the substrate, while keeping them fully intact. To establish that the bubble domains remained intact, they measured the capacitance and piezoelectric properties and found they stayed relatively stable up to a high voltage. The combination of experiment and simulation proved conclusively that these bubbles can live even when removed […]