Abstract:
Local polarization processes in BaTi$_{1-x}$Zr$_{x}$O$_{3}$ thin films are studied using contact conductive scanning probe microscopy and piezoelectric response microscopy. The relationship between the direction of the created domains and the magnitude of the flowing currents is established. The value of the residual polarization is found. Using scanning probe microscopy, the hysteresis loop is measured and the values of the piezoelectric modulus $d_{zz}$ and coercive field $E_c$ for these films are determined.
Keywords:thin ferroelectric BZT films, scanning probe microscopy, current distribution maps, piezoresponse signal, hysteresis loop.