Domain investigations: a select review

The author points out that practically all macroscopic properties of ferroelectrics are extensively influenced by their domain structures, though the mechanisms involved vary. He first surveys the role of domains, whether advantageous or detrimental, in practical devices. He then presents a review of recent progress in selected areas of research, namely, the role of ferroelasticity in the formation of domain structures (2-D and 3-D constraints), domain-wall-conditioned permittivity, and the high-field dielectric response of ferroelectric lock-in phases. Some areas for further investigation are also discussed