Ferroelectric solid-solutions have very large dielectric, piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties (up to two orders of magnitude higher than their non-ferroelectric polar counterparts), and therefore offer an opportunity for integrating multiple functionalities at the micrometer and nanometer scales, including sensing and actuation capabilities, integrated switches and filters for radio systems, energy harvesting for self-powered devices, miniaturized multilayer capacitors, and mechanical relays for low power embedded microcontrollers. This multi-functional nature presents a pathway towards a "More than Moore" (MtM) era.

Compositional disorder and structural transitions, induced via thermal, electric or elastic fields lie at the heart of the enhanced functional response of many ferroic systems. This presentation will discuss the effects of the presence of phase transitions and domain wall motion in ferroelectric, relaxor-ferroelectric and antiferroelectric materials. Effective strategies for enhancing the phase transition and increase the functional electromechanical response of thin films will be discussed.