Phenomenological theory of a single domain wall in uniaxial trigonal ferroelectrics: Lithium niobate and lithium tantalate
Abstract
A phenomenological treatment of domain walls based on the Ginzburg-Landau-Devonshire theory is developed for uniaxial trigonal ferroelectrics, lithium niobate and lithium tantalate. The contributions to the domain-wall energy from polarization and strain as a function of orientation are considered. Analytical expressions are developed that are analyzed numerically to determine the minimum polarization, strain, and energy configurations of domain walls. It is found that hexagonal y walls are preferred over x walls in both materials. This agrees well with experimental observation of domain geometries in stoichiometric composition crystals.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review B
- Pub Date:
- May 2005
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevB.71.184110
- arXiv:
- arXiv:cond-mat/0503312
- Bibcode:
- 2005PhRvB..71r4110S
- Keywords:
-
- 77.84.Dy;
- 77.80.Dj;
- 74.20.De;
- Niobates titanates tantalates PZT ceramics etc.;
- Domain structure;
- hysteresis;
- Phenomenological theories;
- Condensed Matter - Materials Science
- E-Print:
- Accepted in PRB (2005)