Dynamics of ferroelectric polarization and internal electric field in PbTiO₃/SrTiO₃ superlattices

Abstract

We study the dynamics of polarization and internal electric field in the PbTiO₃/SrTiO₃ (PT/ST) superlattices using the Landau–Khalatnikov equation. Apart from the polarization hysteresis loop, the hysteresis loop of the internal electric field is also observed. The effects of thickness ratio and temperature on the switching dynamics of superlattices are investigated. We found that the dynamics of polarization switching is directly correlated with the internal electric field. The change of sign in the internal electric field implies the occurrence of polarization switching in the ferroelectric superlattices.

KEYWORDS:

• Ferroelectrics
• superlattices
• Landau–Khalatnikov

Acknowledgment

K.-G. Lim acknowledges the support from the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (FRGS/1/2018/STG02/USMC/03/1).