Local electric field distribution in ferroelectric films and photonic crystals during polarization reversal

Abstract

Electric field distribution during polarization reversal in planar geometry is studied in BaSrTiO3 epitaxial films experimentally and numerically. Regularly perforated film forms two-dimensional photonic crystal, in which polarization can be reversed using interdigital electrode system. Dimensions of the system: electrode and gap width and hole depth (all of 1-2 mm) together with the electrode thickness (300 nm) reduce the spatial resolution of the used electric-force microscopy but allow nevertheless to monitor the numerically predicted sharp increase of electric field at the edges of electrode and at the holes.