The preparation and properties of ferroelectric films are reviewed. Specifi
c attention is directed to ferroelectric films prepared by wet chemical met
hods. Emphasis is placed on the microstructure and properties of SBT films
for memory applications, and their dependence on chemistry and processing,
as well as on the effects of chemistry and processing on the properties of
piezoelectric and pyroelectric films. Emphasis is placed on recent results
obtained in our laboratories, including modeling of the ferroelectric behav
ior of films and experimental results in each of these areas. Also consider
ed is the use of ferroelectric films in memory, piezoelectric and pyroelect
ric devices of various types, with specific note made of the recently-annou
nced use of pyroelectric sensors in automobiles.