Thermodynamics and kinetics of switching effects in ferroelectrics

We present a detailed analysis of thermodynamics and kinetics of switching effects in ferroelectrics with 180^∘ domains. First, the switching effects are investigated by field-theory approaches and, then, within the weak metastability domain they are analyzed by means of classical nucleation theory. All basic characteristics for the switching process are estimated, i.e., evolution of the size distribution function for domains is found and the time dependence of changes in the density of domains and flow of domains during the process is determined. The growing mechanism of domains is investigated. An approach to define certain constants for ferroelectric crystals with respect to analysis of evolution of the switching current is proposed.