Ferroelastic writing of crystal directions in oxide thin films.

Crystals often have complex structural domains, but a general method to remove or deterministically control such local heterogeneity is lacking. The resulting heterogeneity in crystal orientations obscures our understanding of material properties and can reduce the reliability and performance of related applications. Here, using shear stress from an atomic force microscope tip, we ferroelastically write local crystal orientations in oxide thin films. Applying this deterministic and reversible control to SrRuO and (LaSr)(MnRu)O films, we realize twin-free single crystals and design specific crystal-orientation domain textures at the nanoscale. Furthermore, through magnetoelastic coupling, we can mechanically manipulate the local magnetic anisotropy, and thereby write and erase functional nanoscale magnetic textures unattainable by conventional methods. Thus, pure mechanical force emerges as a means to control structural heterogeneity on demand and may make it possible to program electronic and spintronic functionalities.