Kinetics of ferroelectric domain structure during switching: Theory and experiment

Abstract

Some trends in modern research of domain kinetics during switching are reviewed. The importance of the complex investigations of model crystals by local and integral experimental methods simultaneously with computer simulation of domains evolution is stressed. Some new experimental results conserning superfast switching are presented. It is shown that the momentary domain patterns are defined by kinetics of switching process. The general theoretical approach based on nucleation theory in analogy with any phase transformations is used for explanation of all observed effects. The influence of geometrical transformations occuring during domain evolution on transient current shape is confirmed by computer simulation.