Quantum phase transition in ferroelectric-paraelectric heterostructures

TL;DR

This paper proposes a theoretical framework where the quantum phase transition between ferroelectric and paraelectric states can be controlled in heterostructures by adjusting the thickness ratio, revealing new possibilities for quantum critical phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method to induce and tune quantum paraelectricity in heterostructures through thickness ratio manipulation, advancing understanding of ferroelectric quantum criticality.

Findings

Quantum paraelectricity can be induced in heterostructures.

The quantum phase transition is tunable via thickness ratio.

Potential for exploring quantum critical phenomena in ferroelectrics.

Abstract

Phase transition between ferroelectricity and quantum paraelectricity via non-thermal tuning parameters can lead to quantum critical behavior and associated emergent phenomena. Ferroelectric quantum critical systems are, however, rare despite the abundance of ferroelectric materials. Here, we show theoretically that in ferroelectric-paraelectric heterostructures, it is plausible to induce quantum paraelectricity where the quantum temperature (i.e., the temperature below with the onset of ferroelectricity is suppressed by quantum fluctuations) can be tuned by the thickness ratio. This, in turn, can effect a quantum phase transition between effective ferroelectric and quantum paraelectric states, using the thickness ratio as the tuning parameter. The associated quantum critical region offers unexpected prospects in the field of ferroelectric quantum criticality.