Ion Jump Dynamics in Nanoscopic Subvolumes Analyzed by Electrostatic Force Spectroscopy

A nanoscopic technique based on electrostatic force spectroscopy in the time domain is introduced. This technique is used to characterize the ion dynamics in nanoscale subvolumes of solid electrolytes. Nanoscopic polarization spots can be created and directly visualized, and their time evolution can be studied. In the case of partially crystallized glass ceramics, the dynamic processes in different phases (glassy, crystalline and interface) can be distinguished and their activation energies and pre-exponential factors can be quantified. By applying grid-type spectroscopic measurements, maps of the local relaxation strength are obtained, giving information about the spatial distribution of the glassy and crystalline phase.