Tensor properties of ferroic domains

Abstract

This is an overview of the latest available information about tensorial properties of domains in the context of “homophase bicrystallography”. The description of ferroic domain states with tensor parameters replaces structure description in the case of a model of continuous material. Tables of tensor changes for symmetry descents together with conversion equations facilitate: (i) tensor distinction of domain states from the parent state, (ii) tensor distinction between any pair of domain states, (iii) a specification of switching forces. From these data we can, for example, conclude that optical methods can serve for the distinction of non-ferroelastic domains and that any domain switching can be performed by electric field.

Keywords:

• ferroic domains
• pairs of domain states
• non-ferroelastic states
• switching interactions