Measurement of the flexoelectric response in ferroelectric and relaxor polymer thin films

We report measurements of the flexoelectric response (electric polarization induced by a strain gradient) in thin films of both ferroelectric and relaxor forms of vinylidene fluoride polymers. By using a simple cantilever measurement technique, while monitoring remanent polarization through the pyroelectric response, we are able to measure the flexoelectric response in thin films as well as isolate and correct for piezoelectric contributions, which would otherwise dominate the flexoelectric measurement. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.