Tunability response in exponentially graded ferroelectrics: A TIM model approach

Relative dielectric function response associate to a non-homogeneous layered ferroelectric system is calculated in the framework of the Mean Field Approximation (MFA) for the Transverse Ising Model (TIM). Analytical self-consistent expressions for the average polarization, dielectric susceptibility, and tunability percentage are outlined and solved for different configurations and sizes. It is found that exponentially graded ferroelectrics magnify the tunability response for stronger interlayer coupling and it reaches its saturation value for smaller intensities of the applied electric field. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.