Prediction of ferroelectricity in BaTi O3 SrTi O3 superlattices with domains

Abstract

The phase transitions of superlattices into single- and multidomain states were studied using a mesoscale phase-field model incorporating structural inhomogeneity, micromechanics, and electrostatics. While the predictions of transition temperatures of BaTi O3 SrTi O3 superlattices into multidomains show remarkably good, quantitative agreement with ultraviolet Raman spectroscopic and variable-temperature x-ray diffraction measurements, the single-domain assumption breaks down for superlattices in which the nonferroelectric layer thickness exceeds the characteristic domain size in the ferroelectric layers. © 2007 American Institute of Physics.