The theoretical investigation of the structural transitions in thin ferroelectric films

• Published in: Ferroelectrics Vol. 508; no. 1; pp. 130 - 137
• Main Authors: Petrova, T. O., Gerasimov, R. A., Maksimova, O. G., Maksimov, A. V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia Taylor & Francis 17-02-2017; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: ferroelectric films; Ferroelectric materials; Ferroelectricity; Mathematical analysis; order parameter; Order parameters; Phase transformations; Phase transitions; Structural phase transitions; Surface layer; Temperature; the Monte Carlo method; Thin films
• ISSN: 0015-0193; 1563-5112
• DOI: 10.1080/00150193.2017.1289743

The influence of free surface on structural phase transitions from an ordered to a disordered state in thin ferroelectric films is investigated. The dependence of the order parameter on the distance from the free surface is calculated. It is shown that the effective thickness of the surface layer depends on the temperature of the film. Nearby the phase transition point, its thickness increases indefinitely.