Millimeter-wave dielectric tunability driven by topological polar structure switching in PbTiO3/SrTiO3 superlattices

Dielectric tunability induced by an external electric field in materials underpins radio frequency signal modulation devices such as phase shifters, which are critical components in wireless communication and sensing systems. However, the tunability and integrability of current devices have yet to be enhanced for emerging applications, particularly at millimeter-wave frequencies. Here, we demonstrate that topological polar structures formed in PbTiO3/SrTiO3 superlattices exhibit large tunable in-plane dielectric properties, as determined by their multiscale structural configurations and polarization switching behaviors. Under a moderate field of 30 kV cm−1, the dipole wave structure maintains a tunability exceeding 15% at 70 GHz and above 8% over the measured range up to 110 GHz, contrasting with the weakly tunable flux closure structure. Based on in situ structural characterizations and molecular dynamics simulations, we delineate the polarization switching processes and elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed tunable millimeter-wave dielectric responses. Our results provide new insights into the high-frequency dielectric properties of topological polar phases, potentially broadening the versatility of these materials in next-generation integrated electronic applications. Millimeter-wave tunable dielectrics are beneficial for next generation wireless communication technologies. Here, the authors demonstrate that topological polar structures formed in PbTiO3/SrTiO3 superlattices exhibit large in-plane dielectric tunability at millimeter-wave frequencies.