First-order phase transitions in ferroelectric films

• Published in: Solid state communications Vol. 116; no. 2; pp. 61 - 65
• Main Authors: Tan, E.-K., Osman, J., Tilley, D.R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2000; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Ferroelectrics; A. Thin films; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; D. Thermodynamic properties; Dielectric thin films; Dielectrics, piezoelectrics, and ferroelectrics and their properties; Exact sciences and technology; Ferroelectricity and antiferroelectricity; Phase transitions and curie point; Physics; 77.80.-e; 68.60.-p; A. Ferroelectrics; A. Thin films; D. Thermodynamic properties; 77.80Bh; Euler Lagrange equation; Critical points; Theoretical study; Boundary conditions; Entropy; Numerical method; Order parameters; Free energy; Thin films; Thickness; Ferroelectric transitions; Temperature effects; Thermodynamic properties
• ISSN: 0038-1098; 1879-2766
• DOI: 10.1016/S0038-1098(00)00297-0

We discuss a version of the Landau–Devonshire model for films undergoing a first-order phase transition. The spatial variation P( z) of the order parameter is described by an Euler–Lagrange equation with associated boundary condition. We define a general numerical scheme for finding P( z) and evaluating the resulting thermodynamic functions. Results are presented for the thickness, temperature and boundary-condition dependence of P( z), the free energy and entropy and the superheating, supercooling and thermodynamic critical temperatures.