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arXiv · 0907.2236

Pseudo-proper ferroelectricity in thin films

A. Cano·A. P. Levanyuk
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Abstract

We study ferroelectricity in thin films of pseudo-proper ferroelectrics such as the so-called spiral multiferroics. We find that this type of ferroelectricity stands better against depolarizing fields than conventional one. Its single-domain state can be easily preserved by metallic electrodes even in ultrathin films. In fact, single-domain ferroelectricty can be generated as a metastable state in the absence of electrodes. We also find a new regime of small thickness where unscreened films develop unusual multi-domain states with properties determined by non-electrostatic boundary conditions.

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A. Cano, A. P. Levanyuk. 2009-07-13. Pseudo-proper ferroelectricity in thin films. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.81.172105

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