Phase transition and switching in lead titanate crystals

Abstract

Different phase-front shapes are described with respect to conditions of phase transition. An explanation of the origin of so-called reciprocal domains is proposed. These domains are shown to be stable against an effect of applied field. Phase transition behavior of lead titanate crystals is defined by Consider the effect of these factors on the transition behavior, domain structure and switching process. Due to a high conductivity of lead titanate at the transition, the phase front is flat, which is characteristic of semiconductive ferroelectrics.² Such a front shape suggests that the elastic energy of the front is predominant over an electric contribution.