Layer thickness and period as design parameters to tailor pyroelectric properties in ferroelectric superlattices

Abstract

We theoretically examine the pyroelectric properties of ferroelectric-paraelectric superlattices as a function of layer thickness and configuration using non-linear thermodynamics coupled with electrostatic and electromechanical interactions between layers. We specifically study PbZr 0.3 Ti 0.7 O 3 / SrTiO 3 superlattices. The pyroelectric properties of such constructs consisting of relatively thin repeating units are shown to exceed the pyroelectric response of monolithic PbZr 0.3 Ti 0.7 O 3 films. This is related to periodic internal electric fields generated due to the polarization mismatch between layers that allows tailoring of the shift in the transition temperature. Our results indicate that higher and electric field sensitive pyroresponse can be achieved from layer-by-layer engineered ferroelectric heterostructures. V

Toward High‐Quality Epitaxial LiNbO3 and LiTaO3 Thin Films for Acoustic and Optical Applications

“…The integration of LN and LT films into ferroelectronic devices opens up the possibility for a number of multifunctional devices combining the piezoelectric, acoustic, pyroelectric, ferroelectric, or semiconducting properties at micro‐ and nanoscales. So far, ferroelectric memories, pyroelectric devices, field transistors, short‐wavelength Pockels effect based optoelectronics utilizing LN/LT have been studied. The use of epitaxial layers offers the opportunity for photonic and electronic‐integrated circuits.…”

“…Innovative ferroelectronic designs can be made by utilizing and studying the charged domain walls or current leakages . Graded ferroelectric structures and superlattices with enhanced properties can be fabricated by the versatile MOCVD technique, enabling fine control of the precursor feeding rates.…”