Pseudo-proper ferroelectricity in thin films

Abstract

We study ferroelectricity in thin films of pseudo-proper ferroelectrics such as the so-called spiral multiferroics. We find that this type of ferroelectricity stands better against depolarizing fields than conventional one. Its single-domain state can be easily preserved by metallic electrodes even in ultrathin films. In fact, single-domain ferroelectricty can be generated as a metastable state in the absence of electrodes. We also find a new regime of small thickness where unscreened films develop unusual multi-domain states with properties determined by non-electrostatic boundary conditions.

v2: partially rewritten. v3: totally rewritten (statement about the suppression of the multidomain state without electrodes corrected), 5 pages, 1 figure, 1 appendix