Stochastic multi-step polarization switching in ferroelectrics

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new multi-step stochastic model for polarization switching in ferroelectrics, capturing complex switching sequences and predicting experimental macroscopic measurements across various electric fields.

Contribution

The paper extends the classical Kolmogorov-Avrami-Ishibashi model to include consecutive 90° and 180° switching events, providing a comprehensive framework for analyzing ferroelectric polarization dynamics.

Findings

The model accurately predicts polarization and strain measurements in Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramics.

It enables extraction of switching process fractions, times, activation fields, and Avrami indices.

The approach captures stochastic multi-step switching behavior observed experimentally.

Abstract

Consecutive stochastic 90{\deg} polarization switching events, clearly resolved in recent experiments, are described by a new nucleation and growth multi-step model. It extends the classical Kolmogorov-Avrami-Ishibashi approach and includes possible consecutive 90{\deg}- and parallel 180{\deg}-switching events. The model predicts the results of simultaneous time-resolved macroscopic measurements of polarization and strain, performed on a tetragonal Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramic in a wide range of electric fields over a time domain of five orders of the magnitude. It allows the determination of the fractions of individual switching processes, their characteristic switching times, activation fields, and respective Avrami indices.