- Accepted Paper
Intrinsic moiré domains of twisted boron nitride
Phys. Rev. B - Accepted 9 October, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/qf9t-rsc5
Phys. Rev. B - Accepted 9 October, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/qf9t-rsc5
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.
If the author has provided any supplemental materials with this article they will be available upon publication of the version of record.