On ultrafast polarization switching in ferroelectrics

Abstract

Recently, a method of ultrafast polarization switching in ferroelectrics has been suggested. The basic idea of the method is to employ the effect of self-acceleration of polarization dynamics due to a resonator feedback field. This is the idea of principle whose efficiency is demonstrated by an Ising-type model in a transverse field. Of course, the practical realization of the method requires the choice of appropriate materials, which is a separate problem. For example, the standard order-disorder ferroelectrics with spatially symmetric double-well potentials cannot be used for this purpose, since, because of the symmetry, they lack the transverse polarization. However, ferroelectrics with asymmetric potentials, possessing this polarization, can be used. Moreover, if the potential asymmetry, hence the transverse polarization, could be regulated, e.g., by shear stress or shear strain, this could provide a tool for governing the process of polarization switching.