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Title: Monte Carlo simulation of ferroelectric domain structure: Electrostatic and elastic strain energy contributions

Journal Article · · Ferroelectrics
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1324454· OSTI ID:753414

A lattice-Monte Carlo approach was developed to simulate ferroelectric domain behavior. The model utilizes a Hamiltonian for the total energy that includes electrostatic terms (involving dipole-dipole interactions, local polarization gradients, and applied electric field), and elastic strain energy. The contributions of these energy components to the domain structure and to the overall applied field response of the system were examined. In general, the model exhibited domain structure characteristics consistent with those observed in a tetragonally distorted ferroelectric. Good qualitative agreement between the appearance of simulated electrical hysteresis loops and those characteristic of real ferroelectric materials was found.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States); Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
753414
Report Number(s):
SAND2000-0836J; TRN: AH200018%%275
Journal Information:
Ferroelectrics, Other Information: Submitted to Ferroelectrics; PBD: 4 Apr 2000
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English