New Ferroelectric Hysteresis Curve Tracer Featuring Compensation and Virtual Sample Grounding

A new compensable hysteresis curve tracer for ferroelectric measurements is described. This was developed because of the need to measure ferroelectricity in slightly conducting materials. Unlike conventional hysteresis circuits, one side of the sample is virtually grounded through the use of an operational amplifier. The voltage source is grounded and there are no restrictions imposed on the oscilloscope input impedances in comparison with their respective sources. An additional feature of this new tracer is that both compensated and uncompensated hysteresis loops can be displayed simultaneously on a dual beam oscilloscope.