Effect of gradient stress on the formation of heterophase structure in lead titanate films

• Published in: Journal of materials science 2004-08, Vol.39 (15), p.4953-4955
• Main Authors: LI, Li-Ben, ZHEN YIN, ZHANG, Ming-Sheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Dielectric, piezoelectric, ferroelectric and antiferroelectric materials; Dielectrics, piezoelectrics, and ferroelectrics and their properties; Exact sciences and technology; Lead titanates; Materials science; Niobates, titanates, tantalates, pzt ceramics, etc; Physics; Structure and morphology; thickness; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); Thin film structure and morphology
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803
• DOI: 10.1023/B:JMSC.0000035344.61979.af

Domain formation in ferroelectric films is particularly important since it can have a profound influence on the dielectric/ferroelectric properties of the films. A number of theoretical studies have been done regarding the formation of domains or twins in epitaxial ferroelectric and ferroelastic films. This paper intends to investigate the strain-distribution of periodic step and the domain structure in ferroelectric films. We have incorporated a set of gradient stresses into modified Landau-Devonshire theory. The thin-film system we have chosen is epitaxial PbTiO3 (PTO) films, since the films have potential applications in various fields of sensor technology and microelectronic devices, and the visible domain structures were observed in the films epitaxially grown on various substrates.