Polarization dynamics and non-equilibrium switching processes in ferroelectrics

Time- and temperature-dependent effects are critical for the operation of non-volatile memories based on ferroelectrics. In this paper, we assume a domain nucleation process of the polarization reversal and we discuss the polarization dynamics in the framework of a non-equilibrium statistical model. This approach yields analytical expressions which can be used to explain a wide range of time- and temperature-dependent effects in ferroelectrics. Domain wall velocity derived in this work is consistent with a domain wall creep behavior in ferroelectrics. In the limiting case of para-electric equilibrium, the model yields the well-known Curie law. We also present experimental P-E loops data obtained for soft ferroelectrics at various temperatures. The experimental coercive fields at various temperatures are well predicted by the coercive field formula derived in our theory.