Manifestation of domains in the dielectric properties of ferroelectric lock-in phases

Abstract

While the ground state in the ferroelectric lock-in phases of A₂BX₄ compounds is single domain, a “dielectric tail” of enhanced permittivity extending into these phases is known to exist, connected with the presence of domain walls. We review available data including recent measurements on purified Rb₂ZnCl₄ and existing models. To interpret the results, temperature and field induced changes of both wall density and restoring force coefficient must be taken into account.