This unique compendium is devoted to flexoelectricity — the response of polarization to a strain gradient. The effect is analogous to piezoelectricity which is the response of polarization to strain itself. In contrast to piezoelectricity, which appears only in non-centrosymmetric materials, flexoelectric effect is allowed by symmetry in any materials. It becomes appreciable in nano-scale systems, where large strain gradients arise. The book discusses different nano-scale manifestations of the effect ranging from repulsion of acoustic and optic branches of materials to flexoelectricity in domain walls. It mainly caters for scientists, engineers and students.

Flexoelectricity is the ability of materials to generate a voltage when they are bent or, conversely, to bend under voltage. Flexoelectricity can be present in all materials; however, the magnitude of the flexoelectric coefficients is so small that flexoelectricity is virtually imperceptible on the human scale. The book's objective is to look at the flexoelectric effect in ceramics for various applications point of view such as sensor, actuator and energy harvesting etc. It briefly discusses the flexoelectric effect theories and models with the latest development in this field. Several methods are discussed to increase the flexoelectric effect in ferroelectric and other ceramics. It focused on the latest development in various possible applications such as flexopyroelectric, flexocaloric and nano energy generators. Apart from these, it will also discuss the inverse flexoelectric effect, flexoelectric effect in 2D materials, ambiguities and controversies in this field. This book resolved many questions related to flexoelectricity and made significant discoveries with profound implications beyond flexoelectricity, in such diverse areas as caloric or MEMS devices, etc. It covers the most recent breakthroughs in nano-generator, composite-based ceramics to maximize energy harvesting and storage. Therefore, this book will be handy for a researcher working in this direction of ceramics and can be a reference book for allied specializations. It will open a new approach to using the flexoelectric effect in various ceramics and varieties of applications. - Provides an in-depth study of the flexoelectric effect of a broad range of ceramic materials - It updates the state of art progress that has been done in the area of flexoelectric-based energy harvesting via nano-generator or nanocomposites of ceramics - Provides most recent advancement in the area of lead-free, lead-based ceramics, 2D material, flexocaloric and flexopyroelectric applications - The inverse flexoelectric effect is discussed in detail, which helps newcomers and expert researchers, scientists, and engineers working in this field - Includes an evaluation of ambiguities and controversies about the flexoelectric effect

The book intends to give a state-of-the-art overview of flexoelectricity, a linear physical coupling between mechanical (orientational) deformations and electric polarization, which is specific to systems with orientational order, such as liquid crystals. Chapters written by experts in the field shed light on theoretical as well as experimental aspects of research carried out since the discovery of flexoelectricity. Besides a common macroscopic (continuum) description the microscopic theory of flexoelectricity is also addressed. Electro-optic effects due to or modified by flexoelectricity as well as various (direct and indirect) measurement methods are discussed. Special emphasis is given to the role of flexoelectricity in pattern-forming instabilities. While the main focus of the book lies in flexoelectricity in nematic liquid crystals, peculiarities of other mesophases (bent-core systems, cholesterics, and smectics) are also reviewed. Flexoelectricity has relevance to biological (living) systems and can also offer possibilities for technical applications. The basics of these two interdisciplinary fields are also summarized.

This book is devoted to the development of the local gradient theory of dielectrics. It presents a brief description of the known approaches to the construction of generalized (integral- and gradient-type) continuous theories of dielectrics. It describes a new continuum–thermodynamic approach to the construction of nonlinear high-order gradient theory of thermoelastic non-ferromagnetic polarized media. This approach is based on accounting for non-diffusive and non-convective mass fluxes associated with the changes in the material microstructure. Within the linear approximation, the theory has been applied to study transition modes of the formation of near-surface inhomogeneity of coupled fields in solids, disjoining pressure in thin films, etc. The theory describes a number of observable phenomena (including the surface, size, flexoelectric, pyroelectric, and thermopolarization effects in centrosymmetric crystals, the Meads anomaly, the high frequency dispersion of elastic waves, etc.) that cannot be explained within the framework of the classical theory of dielectrics.

The impetus for the rapid development of thin film technology, relative to that of bulk materials, is its application to a variety of microelectronic products. Many of the characteristics of thin film ferroelectric materials are utilized in the development of these products - namely, their nonvolatile memory and piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and electro-optic properties. It is befitting, therefore, that the first of a set of three complementary books with the general title Integrated Ferroelectric Devices and Technologies focuses on the synthesis of thin film ferroelectric materials and their basic properties. Because it is a basic introduction to the chemistry, materials science, processing, and physics of the materials from which integrated ferroelectrics are made, newcomers to this field as well as veterans will find this book self-contained and invaluable in acquiring the diverse elements requisite to success in their work in this area. It is directed at electronic engineers and physicists as well as process and system engineers, ceramicists, and chemists involved in the research, design, development, manufacturing, and utilization of thin film ferroelectric materials.

Recent Advances in Topological Ferroics and Their Dynamics, Volume 70 in the Solid State Physics series, provides the latest information on the branch of physics that is primarily devoted to the study of matter in its solid phase, especially at the atomic level. This prestigious serial presents timely and state-of-the-art reviews pertaining to all aspects of solid state physics. - Contains contributions from leading authorities in the study of solid state physics, especially at the atomic level - Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field - Presents timely, state-of-the-art reviews pertaining to all aspects of solid state physics

This unique compendium is devoted to flexoelectricity -- the response of polarization to a strain gradient. The effect is analogous to piezoelectricity which is the response of polarization to strain itself. In contrast to piezoelectricity, which appears only in non-centrosymmetric materials, flexoelectric effect is allowed by symmetry in any materials. It becomes appreciable in nano-scale systems, where large strain gradients arise. The book discusses different nano-scale manifestations of the effect ranging from repulsion of acoustic and optic branches of materials to flexoelectricity in domain walls. It mainly caters for scientists, engineers and students.