Hydrodynamics of domain walls in ferroelectrics and multiferroics: impact on memory devices

Abstract

The standard "Kittel Law" for the thickness and shape of ferroelectric, ferroelastic, or ferromagnet domains assumes mechanical equilibrium. The present paper shows that such domains may be highly nonequilibrium, with unusual thicknesses and shapes. In lead germanate and multiferroic lead zirconate titanate iron tantalate domain wall instabilities resemble hydrodynamics (Richtmyer-Meshkov and Helfrich-Hurault, respectively).