Effect of external stress on polarization in ferroelectric thin films

Abstract

The polarization changes caused by applying mechanical stresses to a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin film were investigated. Both the remnant and spontaneous polarizations decreased when the PZT film was loaded with tensile stress. For compressive stresses, the remnant polarization increased, but spontaneous polarization did not change. In fatigue with tensile stress state, the polarization decreased earlier than when there was no stress, which depend on whether or not the initial polarization value was high. Conversely, in fatigue with compressive stress, the initial higher remnant polarization value was maintained compared with the polarization in the unstress condition.

Ferroelectric and Ferromagnetic Behavior of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3–Co0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 Multilayered Thin Films Prepared via Solution Processing

“…It has been well-recognized that the remnant polarization of a ferroelectric thin film is a function of residual stress, and a tensile stress leads to a lower remnant polarization. [13] The lattice constant of PZT …”

Mechanisms of imprint effect on ferroelectric thin films

“…28,29 Both experimental and theoretical results show that the coercive field E c increases when the film is compressively stressed. 30,31 From the abovementioned exponential stress distribution function, we know that the stress is maximum at the film/bottom electrode interface.…”

Ab InitioStudies of Polarization and Piezoelectricity in Vinylidene Fluoride and BN-Based Polymers

“…Such a fortunate combination of properties allows for a wide employment of ferroelectric polymers in modern industry, with applications ranging from various sensors, actuators, and transducers to ferroelectric optical memory, sonar equipment, and artificial muscles. Still, polarization and piezoelectricity in ferroelectric polymers are about an order of magnitude weaker than in perovskite ferroelectrics, such as lead zirconate titanate [6,7]. On the other hand, perovskite ferroelectrics are usually heavy, brittle, and toxic, which limits their technological usefulness.…”