Polarization switching of the incommensurate phases induced by flexoelectric coupling in ferroelectric thin films

Limei Jiang, Yichun Zhou, Yi Zhang, Qiong Yang, Yijia Gu, Long Qing Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

The polarization switching of the incommensurate (INC) phases induced by flexocoupling in perovskite ferroelectric thin films is investigated with a multi-field coupling theoretical framework combining the flexoelectric effect. The dominant factors of the formation of INC phases that show antiferroelectric-like double hysteresis loops are examined. The simulations show that mechanical boundary conditions have little influence on the polarization responses of INC phases. The polarization switching behaviors of INC phases are governed by the flexocoupling types described by different flexocoupling coefficients. Only the transverse flexocoupling coefficient related INC phases show antiferroelectric-like double hysteresis loop. The longitudinal flexocoupling coefficient related and shear flexocoupling coefficient related INC phases show imprint-like hysteresis loops and hysteresis loops similar to those of the ferroelectric phase, respectively. The observed different polarization switching behaviors are rationalized by free energy density curves of the INC phases.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)344-354
Number of pages11
JournalActa Materialia
Volume90
DOIs
StatePublished - May 15 2015

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Metals and Alloys

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