Phenomenological theory of a single domain wall in uniaxial trigonal ferroelectrics: Lithium niobate and lithium tantalate

David A. Scrymgeour, Venkatraman Gopalan, Amit Itagi, Avadh Saxena, Pieter J. Swart

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

109 Scopus citations

Abstract

A phenomenological treatment of domain walls based on the Ginzburg-Landau-Devonshire theory is developed for uniaxial trigonal ferroelectrics, lithium niobate and lithium tantalate. The contributions to the domain-wall energy from polarization and strain as a function of orientation are considered. Analytical expressions are developed that are analyzed numerically to determine the minimum polarization, strain, and energy configurations of domain walls. It is found that hexagonal y walls are preferred over x walls in both materials. This agrees well with experimental observation of domain geometries in stoichiometric composition crystals.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number184110
JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Volume71
Issue number18
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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