Waseem Ahmad Wani represented the NFG group at the E-MRS Spring Meeting 2026 (with 2300 participants) in Strasbourg, France, where he delivered two oral presentations highlighting recent advances in hafnia-based ferroelectric materials. In his first presentation, “Probing Domain Stability in Hafnia Thin Films,” Waseem discussed the factors governing ferroelectric domain switching and retention at the nanoscale. The study provided new insights into role of environmental control. probe-surface interactions, charge screening effects, and the reliable characterization of ferroelectric hafnia using piezoresponse force microscopy.
His second talk, “Nanoscale Ferroelectric Response in Plasma-Processed HZO,” focused on how plasma-assisted processing influences ferroelectric phase formation and domain stability in hafnium zirconium oxide (HZO) thin films. The work highlighted the crucial roles of processing conditions, electrodes, and mechanical and electrical control in optimizing ferroelectric performance.
The conference provided an excellent opportunity to share our latest research, engage with the international materials science community, and explore emerging developments in ferroelectrics and functional oxide materials. Great science, inspiring discussions, new friends, new collaborations, and wonderful memories along the way.
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