Modeling the switching kinetics in ferroelectrics

Abstract

The switching process in ferroelectrics with a maximum in time for the switching current as observed by Merz [Phys. Rev. 95, 690 (1954)] is simulated. To this end, the Weiss molecular mean-field model is combined with the fluctuation of dipoles in double-well potentials. A first-order rate equation for the polarization with time-dependent coefficients results. This equation is solved for the time-dependent switching process, as well as for the static polarization hysteresis loop. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.