The theoretical investigation of the structural transitions in thin ferroelectric films

ABSTRACT

The influence of free surface on structural phase transitions from an ordered to a disordered state in thin ferroelectric films is investigated. The dependence of the order parameter on the distance from the free surface is calculated. It is shown that the effective thickness of the surface layer depends on the temperature of the film. Nearby the phase transition point, its thickness increases indefinitely.

KEYWORDS:

• Structural phase transitions
• ferroelectric films
• order parameter
• the Monte Carlo method

Funding

R.A.G. and T.O.P. acknowledge the financial support by the Russian Science Foundation (grant No. 15-19-10008).