The memories and moments that I've shared with all of you during my time in Charlottesville will be cherished for the rest of my life. A special thanks to all of my friends outside of Charlottesville that have lent their support from afar; the Gregoires, the Hardimans, the Foleys, the DeParis, the Donovans, the Brusos, the Mattons, Laura Day, Aleena Bando and the rest of the Worcester Homeloaf. Additionally, a huge thank you to my good friend and fellow WPI alumnus, Hans Jensen. Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my amazing family and girlfriend, Caitlin, for all of the love and support that you have provided. To my parents, Jack and Robin: thank you for always being there for me both in good times and in bad, and for molding me into the man that I am today. I love you both so much and am so very proud to be your son. To my sisters, Lindsay and Mara: you are both so important to me and your love and support motivates me to be the best big brother that I possibly can. The three of us make a great team and I love you both so very much. To my extended family, all the Foleys, Mouchons and Collins: thank you all for all your love and support throughout my life. And to my girlfriend, Caitlin: words can hardly express how much I appreciate you being by my side and supporting me over the past seven years, especially the last five during my PhD. I love you so very, very much and look forward to our next adventure together! iii Contents Acknowledgements i cive field (±E c), saturation polarization (±P sat) and remanent polarization (±P r). Arrows indicate the progression of the applied electric field, sweeping from zero field to maximum positive field, then maximum negative field, and then back to zero field.