POLARIZATION SWITCHING IN FERROELECTRIC CATHODES

A new mechanism of polarization switching and electron emission in fer roelectric cathodes is proposed. Surface flashover plasma of a ferroel ectric origin was observed on a polar ferroelectric surface [D. Shur, G. Rosenman, and Ya. E. Krasik, Appl. Phys. Lett. 70, 574 (1997)]. Sim ultaneous measurements of switched charge and plasma density show that expanding surface plasma represents a dynamic switching electrode. Di rect measurements of ion/electron emission currents and surface analys is implemented by different analytic tools indicate that electrons and ions from the surface plasma contribute to spontaneous polarization s creening. The high energy of charged particles emitted from the surfac e plasma is ascribed to a high surface potential juring polarization s witching. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.