Across-layer sliding ferroelectricity and robust valley polarization in inversion-symmetry lattices
Phys. Rev. B 112, 195401 – Published 3 November, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/2h29-zrb9
Abstract
The combination of sliding ferroelectricity and valley properties holds significant potential for the development of next-generation ultrafast processors and memory devices. However, the traditional ferroelectric polarization based on special symmetry can reduce valley polarization. In this study, we propose the across-layer sliding ferroelectricity and robust valley polarization in inversion-symmetric lattices through symmetry analysis and first-principles calculations. In the case of trilayer or more layers, across-layer sliding can induce asymmetry, thereby breaking the overall symmetry, and ferroelectric polarization occurs. Intriguingly, for the antiferromagnetic even layers, the valley polarization is insensitive to symmetry, allowing the coexistence of across-layer sliding ferroelectricity and robust valley polarization. We confirm this in real multilayer configuration through first-principles calculations. This finding provides a platform for the research sliding ferroelectricity and valleytronics.