On the extrinsic piezoelectricity

Abstract

This work presents a continuation of our last paper, concerning the theory of the response of an antiparallel domain structure in a platelike electroded sample to external electric field. The theory is based on the exact formula for free energy of the system, formed of a central ferroelectric part, isolated from electrodes (with a defined potential difference) by a surface layers. Our calculations are applicable also to thin films. It is usual to use the term ‘extrinsic’ for the contribution of domain walls displacement to macroscopic properties of a sample. In our last paper we discussed the extrinsic contribution to permittivity. In this work we concentrate on extrinsic contribution to piezoelectric coefficients in ferroelectrics which are simultaneously ferroelastics. As an example, we calculate the extrinsic contribution to d ₃₆ piezoelectric coefficient of RbH₂PO₄, that was recently measured in a wide range of temperature below Curie point.

Key Words:

• Ferroelectric domains
• extrinsic contributions to piezoelectricity