Ferroelectrics - novel geometric ordering of ferroelectricity.

Scott, J. F. (2005) Ferroelectrics - novel geometric ordering of ferroelectricity. Nature Materials, 4. pp. 13-14. DOI https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat1287

PDF FERROELECTRICS_-_scott.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (241kB)

Abstract

Geometric ordering in nature in general and in solid-state physics in particular can be both subtle and complex. Although most of us have minds that think in rectilinear patterns, nature can be more devious, as demonstrated by the occurrence of vortex structures in type II superconductors, of disclination pairs (or dislocation pairs) in two-dimensional melting, or of smectic C* liquid crystals whose loop structures could be unwound to produce net ferroelectricity through surface stabilization. Ferroelectrics, however, have traditionally been viewed as rather more pedestrian, with local dipoles arrayed in straight lines in neat rectangular rows and columns. In 1994, Gorbatsevich and Kopaev1 and also Grimmer2 discussed in some detail the possibility of toroidal ordering in ferroelectrics; but their work lay largely unread by others in the decade that followed.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	2005 PUBL 2005 AREP IA47
Subjects:	03 - Mineral Sciences
Divisions:	03 - Mineral Sciences
Journal or Publication Title:	Nature Materials
Volume:	4
Page Range:	pp. 13-14
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat1287
Depositing User:	Sarah Humbert
Date Deposited:	18 Aug 2010 15:41
Last Modified:	23 Jul 2013 09:59
URI:	http://eprints.esc.cam.ac.uk/id/eprint/1816

Actions (login required)

View Item