Wurtzite-structured crystals, characterized by their hexagonal symmetry, are widely valued for their unique electronic and piezoelectric properties—their ability to generate an electric charge when ...

However, these materials face challenges due to high coercive electric fields—the energy required to switch polarization for piezoelectric charge generation and ferroelectric properties.

The resulting surface deformation is detected by the AFM tip as a vertical deflection, which is proportional to the local piezoelectric coefficient and polarization orientation. By scanning the AFM ...