Ferroelectric Materials
AimsBefore you startIntroductionThe dipole momentPolarisationSwitching polarisation (1)Switching polarisation (2)Measurement of polarisationFabrication of a KNO3 ferroelectric capacitorTemperature dependence of the Hysteresis loopBarium titanateBarium titanate and phase changesOrder of phase transitionsFerroelectrics - why?SummaryQuestionsGoing furtherTLP creditsTLP contentsShow all contentViewing and downloading resourcesAbout the TLPsTerms of useFeedbackCredits Print this page
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Introduction
The ferroelectric effect was first observed by Valasek in 1921, in the Rochelle salt. This has molecular formula KNaC4H4O6·4H2O. The effect was then not considered for some time, and it wasn't until a few decades later that ferroelectrics came into great use. Nowadays, ferroelectric materials are used widely, mainly in memory applications. This TLP will show how the ferroelectric effect arises, and how it is usefully used.