Advances in Thermodynamics of Ferroelectric Phase Transitions

1. Introduction

2. Limitations of Landau-Devonshire theory and demonstration of new approach

2.1. Unpleasant consequence caused by metastable states hypothesis

2.2. Evidence for non-existence of metastable states: logical conflict

2.3. Real path: Existence of stationary states

3. Thermo-electric coupling

3.1. Local entropy production

3.2. Description of phase transitions and verification of interface dynamics

3.3. Relation between latent heat and spontaneous polarization

4. Thermo-electro-mechanical coupling

4.1. Deformation mechanics

4.2. Local entropy production and description of phase transitions

5. Irreversibility: Thermal hysteresis and occurrences of domain structure

5.1. Thermal hysteresis

5.2. Occurrences of domain structure

6. Concluding remarks

Author details

References