Effect of depolarization and coercivity on actuation strains due to domain switching in barium titanate
Journal
Applied Physics Letters
Journal Volume
90
Journal Issue
17
Date Issued
2007
Author(s)
Abstract
Large electrostrictive actuation in ferroelectric single crystals can be achieved through non-180° domain switching using various biasing fields and loads. The theoretical maximum actuation strain such as 1.1% for barium titanate crystals, however, has not been observed yet. In this letter, the authors propose a possible mechanism accounting for the depolarization effect to explain the significant strain reduction observed in their recent experiment. They find that a low-energy path requires the switching of 90° domains together with that of in-plane alternating layers of 180° domains formed to reduce the depolarization energy. Therefore, reduction in strain is significant for crystals with large 180° coercivities. The result is consistent with their recent experimental observations.
SDGs
Type
journal article