• Accepted Paper

Intrinsic moiré domains of twisted boron nitride

Xiao-Yu Ma, Lu-Qi Wei, Wen-Cheng Fan, Wei-Hao Sun, Zhao Guan, Ya-Qiong Wang, Bin-Bin Chen, Ping-Hua Xiang, Chun-Gang Duan, and Ni Zhong

Phys. Rev. B - Accepted 9 October, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/qf9t-rsc5

Abstract

Moiré ferroelectric systems exhibit stacking-dependent interfacial polarization at the atomic thickness limit, inspiring a promising platform for next-generation devices. This unique ferroelectricity has been explored using a range of techniques. However, the built-in electric field arising from piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM) tip–sample contact often leads to amplitude imbalance and reduced phase contrast, complicating reliable characterization. Here, using twisted hexagonal boron nitride as a model system, we develop a multimodal scanning probe microscopy (SPM) strategy that combines non-contact Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) with contact-mode PFM. By introducing a DC bias during PFM, we effectively compensate the built-in field. This compensation restores intrinsic moiré ferroelectric states, evidenced by straighter domain walls and a nearly 180° phase difference between adjacent domains. Our findings highlight the critical role of work function evaluation in PFM measurements and provide a reliable approach for probing moiré ferroelectric domains and their polarizations.

Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

If the author has provided any supplemental materials with this article they will be available upon publication of the version of record.

Sign In to Your Journals Account

Filter

Filter

Article Lookup

Enter a citation