Statistical switching kinetics of ferroelectrics

Abstract

By assuming a more realistic nucleation and polarization reversal scenario we build a statistical switching model for polycrystalline ferroelectrics, which is different from both the Kolmogorov-Avrami-Ishibashi (KAI) model and the nucleation-limited-switching model. After incorporating a time-dependent depolarization field, this model gives a good explanation of the retardation behavior in polycrystalline thin films at medium or low fields, which cannot be described using the traditional KAI model. This model predicts n = 1 for polycrystalline thin films at high fields or ceramic bulks in the ideal case, in good agreement with the experimental data previously published. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd.