Bulk characterization methods for non-centrosymmetric materials: second-harmonic generation, piezoelectricity, pyroelectricity, and ferroelectricity

Characterization methods for bulk non-centrosymmetric compounds are described. These methods include second-harmonic generation, piezoelectricity, pyroelectricity, and ferroelectricity. In this tutorial review with each phenomenon, details are given of the measurement techniques along with a brief history and background. Finally, data interpretation is discussed.