Abstract

The session addresses a timely and high-impact crossroads of materials physics and device-relevant functionality: switching of ferroic orders. Recent advances range from topologically protected switching processes in multiferroics [1], to ultrafast phononic control of magnetization [2], and to the dynamic manipulation of ferroic domain patterns [3]. Rapid progress in high-resolution TEM, NV magnetometry, and synchrotron-based imaging is enabling unprecedented mapping of domain structures and switching dynamics on nanometre–picosecond scales. Ultrafast experiments have revealed non-thermal, sub-picosecond routes to reverse magnetic, structural, and polar orders, opening perspectives for energy-efficient memory and quantum devices. Complementary theoretical approaches and atomistic modelling predict complex switching pathways and reaction-like transformations that may reduce barriers and stabilize topologically protected channels. The invited contributions will span nonlinear optical probes, emergent nanoscale textures, phononic control, and topological mechanisms—reflecting the broad international expertise converging on this exciting frontier.

REFERENCES 

[1] L. Ponet, S. Artyukhin, Th. Kain, J. Wettstein, A. Pimenov, A. Shuvaev, X. Wang, S.-W. Cheong, M. Mostovoy, and A. Pimenov, “Topologically protected magnetoelectric switching in a multiferroic”, Nature 607, 81 (2022). 
[2] C. S. Davies, F. G. N. Fennema, A. Tsukamoto, I. Razdolski, A. V. Kimel & A. Kirilyuk, “Phononic switching of magnetization by the ultrafast Barnett effect”, Nature 628, 540 (2024). 
[3] J. G. Horstmann, E. Hassanpour, A. M. Müller, Y. Zemp, Th. Lottermoser, Y. Tokunaga, Y. Taguchi, Y. Tokura, M. C. Weber, and M. Fiebig, “Dynamic control of ferroic domain patterns by thermal quenching”, Nat. Commun. 16, 6802 (2025).

Invited speakers

to be announced

Organizers