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Synchronous Polarization Switching at Sub-Coercive Fields through Stochastic Resonance in Ferroelectric Thin-Film
Vivek Dey1, Thejas Basavarajappa2, Manikantan R S3
1Centre for Nanoscience and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|February 22, 2026
Summary
Stochastic resonance (SR) enhances weak signal detection in ferroelectric PZT capacitors. This study demonstrates SR-assisted synchronous polarization switching and sub-threshold frequency-shift-key signal detection in noisy channels.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nonlinear Dynamics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Stochastic resonance (SR) is a phenomenon where noise aids in detecting weak signals or switching states in nonlinear systems.
- Simple theory predicts SR occurs when the Kramers rate is twice the signal frequency.
- Ferroelectric materials exhibit nonlinear dynamics suitable for exploring SR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate and characterize stochastic resonance-induced synchronous polarization switching in ferroelectric lead zirconium titanate (PZT) capacitors.
- To experimentally identify optimal noise levels for SR using independent figures of merit.
- To validate SR conditions and model ferroelectric switching dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Experimental demonstration of SR in thin-film PZT capacitors using sub-coercive voltage.
- Utilizing figures of merit (cross-covariance, output power, SNR) to determine optimal noise.
- Measuring Kramers time and comparing with SR predictions (Tsignal = 2τk).
- Modeling device behavior with the stochastic Time Dependent Landau-Khalatnikov (TDLK) formulation.
Main Results:
- Synchronous polarization switching was achieved in PZT capacitors via SR with sub-coercive voltage.
- Optimal noise levels for SR were identified, correlating with theoretical predictions.
- Experimental Kramers time measurements confirmed the SR condition.
- The stochastic TDLK model successfully captured the observed noise-assisted polarization switching.
Conclusions:
- Stochastic resonance provides a viable mechanism for controlled polarization switching in ferroelectric PZT capacitors.
- This work validates SR theory in a practical ferroelectric system.
- A proof-of-concept for detecting sub-threshold frequency-shift-key signals in noisy communication channels using PZT devices was demonstrated.
Keywords:
ferroelectric devicesfrequency shift keyskramers timestochastic resonancesub‐coercive switchingMore Related Videos
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