Domain-size dependence of piezoelectric properties of ferroelectrics

The domain-size dependence of the piezoelectric properties of ferroelectrics is investigated using a continuum Ginzburg-Landau model that incorporates long-range elastic and electrostatic interactions. Microstructures with the desired domain sizes are created by quenching from the paraelectric phase by biasing the initial conditions. Three different two-dimensional microstructures with different sizes of the 90 degrees domains are simulated. An electric field is applied along the polar as well as nonpolar directions and the piezoelectric response is simulated as a function of domain size for both cases. The simulations show that the piezoelectric coefficients are enhanced by reducing the domain size, consistent with recent experimental results of Wada and Tsurumi [Br. Ceram. Trans. 103, 93 (2004)] on domain-engineered BaTiO3 single crystals.