Phase transitions in an alternating superlattice

Within the effective field theory with a probability distribution technique that accounts for the self spin correlation functions, we examine the phase transition properties of a ferroelectric superlattice with two alternating layers A and B described by a transverse spin-1/2 Ising model. The equations that determine the Curie temperature T, and the polarization have been obtained. The effects of the transverse field, the ferroelectric and the antiferroelectric interfacial coupling strength between two ferroelectric materials are discussed. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.