piezoresponse force microscopy

Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM) is a technique used to study materials that can change shape or generate an electric signal when an electric field is applied, such as certain ceramics and crystals. It involves a specialized microscope with a tiny, sensitive tip that applies a small voltage to the sample. By measuring how the sample responds—such as slight movements or vibrations—the PFM reveals local properties like polarization directions and electrical behavior. This helps scientists understand and visualize how these materials behave at very small scales, which is crucial for developing advanced electronic and energy devices.