Ion and mixed electron-ion screening of charged domain walls in ferroelectrics

Abstract

We consider theoretically the properties of charged domain walls (CDWs) in proper ferroelectrics for the ion and mixed electron-ion charge screening mechanisms. This includes an analysis of the spatial profiles of the polarization and electrostatic potential in the one-dimensional case, determination of the characteristic spatial widths, estimates of the CDW formation energies, and comparison with the CDW characteristics relevant to the electron-hole screening regime. Also we consider restrictions on the ion-related screening scenarios caused by slowness of the ion migration at ambient conditions.