Observable asymmetry need not occur within materials possessing competing energy landscapes, challenging long-held assumptions about phase transitions. Until now, inferences regarding spontaneous symmetry breaking relied solely upon examining a material’s internal potential; this work demonstrates dissipation actively suppresses such behaviour via coupling with external degrees of freedom. The findings define both quantum paraelectric and ferroelectric regimes analytically, offering new insight into controlling material properties at the quantum level.
Institut Néel Team Defines Quantum Paraelectric Behaviour
Observable asymmetry need not occur within materials possessing competing energy landscapes, challenging long-held assumptions about phase transitions. Until now, inferences regarding spontaneous symmetry breaking relied solely upon examining a material’s internal potential; this work demonstrates dissipation actively suppresses such behaviour via coupling with external degrees of freedom. The findings define both quantum paraelectric and ferroelectric regimes analytically, offering new insig...