Flexoelectric control of physical properties by atomic force microscopy

The past decade has witnessed the tremendous scientific and technological potential of nanoscale flexoelectricity in solids. flexoelectric effect describes universal generation electric polarization response to strain gradients could be inversely enhanced at reduced dimensions. Based on this unique scaling effect, shown exciting physical phenomena, promising novel electronic, electromechanical, photovoltaic applications. One most powerful ways harness is press surface a material through an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip generate large gradients. This so-called AFM pressing allows us locally break inversion symmetry any materials study all fascinating phenomena associated with asymmetry. Although technique recently facilitated many important studies flexoelectricity, its effective use still requires more solid foundation. In review, we provide comprehensive guideline exploring via pressing. We also discuss recent progress future research direction pressing-driven flexoelectricity.