Polarization Switching in Heterophase Nanostructures: PLZT Relaxor Ceramics

The polarization switching is experimentally investigated in hot-pressed PLZT-x/65/35 ceramics with a lanthanum content from 5 to 12 at. %. The specific features in the temperature dependence of the polarization switching in a heterophase state are interpreted by analyzing the change in the switched charge measured over wide ranges of fields and temperatures. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of depolarization fields induced by interphase boundaries. A model of the evolution of polydomain nanostructures with a change in the temperature and in the response to an external field is considered. It is assumed that the low-temperature dielectric anomaly and the temperature hysteresis are …

Structure and Lattice Dynamics in PLZT 8/65/35 Ceramics Irradiated by High-Current Pulsed Electron Beam

The comprehensive study of high-current pulsed electron irradiation effect on the structure and lattice dynamics as well as optical properties of PLZT 8/65/35 ceramics have been performed. X-ray powder diffraction studies shown the transformation of the rhombohedral perovskite structure R3m (Z = 1) into orthorhombic Pmmm (Z = 1) for the sample irradiated by one pulse (dose 4 × 1014 electrons/cm2) and, as a consequence, the changes in number of phonon modes position, oscillators strength and damping in IR and Raman spectroscopy data. However neutron powder diffraction measurements of multiple irradiated samples have not been revealed any structural distortions. Dielectric parameters have sho…

EoP250. Recent advances in transparent ferroelectric ceramics research and applications

Abstract The studies of field-induced lattice rearrangement and field-induced phase transition (PT), laser beam effects in transparent ferroelectric ceramics (TFC), dopant and radiation effects in PLZT, Kerr effect demonstration and application of an intracavity matrix-addressed spatial-time modulator are discussed.

Processing, basic characterization and standard dielectric measurements on PLZTx/65/35 (4 ≤x≤ 11) ceramics

The influence of external stress (0–800 bar) on the dielectric properties of lead lanthanum zirconium titanate (PLZT) x/65/35 (4 ≤ x ≤ 11) ceramics was investigated. Applying uniaxial pressure leads to a change in the peak intensity of the electric permittivity (ϵ), in its frequency dispersion as well as in the dielectric hysteresis. The peak intensity of ϵ becomes broader and shifts to lower temperatures for PLZT x/65/35 with x = 4, 7, 9.75 and 11, with increasing pressure, on heating. It was concluded that applying uniaxial pressure induces an increase of Tm, and thus has a similar effect as the increase of the Ti ion concentration in the lead zirconium titanate (PZT) system. Results base…

Electrical transport in lead-free (Na0.5Bi0.5)1–xSrxTiO3 ceramics (x = 0, 0.01 and 0.02)

Lead-free (Na0.5Bi0.5)1xSrxTiO3 (x = 0, 0.01 and 0.02) ceramics were manufactured through a solid-state mixed oxide method and their ac (σac) and dc (σdc) electric conductivity were studied. It is ...

Broadband dielectric spectroscopy of PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3–PbSc1/2Nb1/2O3 ceramics

Abstract Broadband dielectric spectroscopy results of various ordered and disordered (1 − x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–(x)Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3 (PMN–PSN) ceramics are investigated in the temperature range from 80 K to 300 K and frequency range from 20 Hz to 2 THz. Dielectric dispersion is very broad and in the ferroelectrics case (x = 1, 0.95) consists of two parts: low-frequency part caused by ferroelectric domains and higher frequency part caused by soft mode. The relaxational soft mode exhibits pronounced softening close to phase transition temperature, as it is typical for order–disorder phase transitions. By substituting Sc3+ by Mg2+ in PMN–PSN ceramics relaxation slows down, and for relaxors (x = 0.…

Distribution of relaxation times in 0.5PMN-0.5PSN ceramics

Dielectric properties of chemically ordered and disordered 0.5PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3-0.5 PbSc1/2Nb1/2O3 (0.5PMN-0.5PSN) ceramics were investigated in frequency range from 20 Hz to 3 GHz by dielectric spectroscopy. The broad dielectric dispersion, similar to this typically obtained for relaxor ferroelectrics (RFE), was observed in both ceramics below 350 K. The frequency dependence of dielectric permittivity of these ceramics were analyzed in terms of the distribution of relaxation times and showed the splitting into two components at lower temperatures. The longest relaxation times part slows down following Vogel-Fulcher law with lower freezing temperature compare with typical RFE like PbMg1/3Nb2/3…

SrTiO3-doping effect on dielectric and ferroelectric behavior of Na0.5Bi0.5 TiO3 ceramics

Lead-free (Na0.5Bi0.5)1-xSrxTiO3 ceramics (x = 0–0.04) were synthesized by a conventional mixed-oxide technique. The microstructure study showed a dense structure, in good agreement with that of ab...

Structure and Properties of Novel Pb(B’1/2Nb1/2)O3-PbTiO3 Binary Systems with High Piezoelectric Coupling

The (l-x)Pb(Lu1/2Nb1/2)O3-xPbTiO3 (PLuNT) and (l-x)Pb(Er1/2Nb1/2)O3-xPbTiO3 (PErNT) binary systems have been originally synthesized. Pure lutecium niobate (PLuN) (x = 0) has a pronounced long-range order in the B-sublattice and an antiferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition at ~258°C. The phase structure of the PLuNT system, at room temperature, changes from a pseudomonoclinic (psd-M, space group Bmm2) to tetragonal (T, space group P4mm). The pseudomonoclinic phase extends over the 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.38 interval within which the monoclinic angle β proceeds a minimum near to 90° at x≅0.2. The morphotropic region covers over the interval x = 0.38–0.49, the concentration ratio psd-M:T≅l (the mor…

Isomorphous ion substitutions and order-disorder phenomena in highly electrocaloric lead-scandium tantalate solid solutions

Abstract The authors discuss the physical background of the electrocaloric effect in PST ceramics and its solid solutions. The most important contribution to the electrocaloric effect is due to field-induced Fm3m→R3m phase transition in the case of high long range ordering degree of B-ions in the perovskite structure ABO3.

Influence of Structure Ordering, Defects and External Conditions on Properties of Ferroelectric Perovskites

Results of comprehensive studies of the (A’A“)(B’B”)O3-ferroelectric perovskites are reported. Examined compositions include Pb1-xLax(Zr0.65Ti0.35)1-x/4O3(PLZT), PbSc0.5Nb0.5O3(PSN), PbSc0.5Ta0.5O3(PST), and PMNT, PSNT and PLuNT pseudo-binary systems exhibiting pronounced dielectric, electrooptical, and electromechanical properties. Degree of ordering in the materials has been varied by chemical composition (modification, isomorphic ion substitution), by variation of technology (hot-pressing, specific thermal treatment, thin films), and by irradiation of different kind and intensity (γ-rays, electrons, neutrons).

Influence of Electromechanical Fields on Dielectric Properties of PLZT−x/65/35 Ceramics (x = 6 and 7)

High density and transparent PLZT−x/65/35 (x = 6 and 7) ceramics with the average grain size of 5–7 μm was obtained by two−stage hot−pressing technology. The measurements of temperature/frequency dependence of the permittivities of these ceramics under uniaxial pressure (0–100 MPa) applied parallel to the ac electric field have been carried out. It was found that uniaxial pressure significantly influences dielectric properties of these ceramics. With the increase of pressure the maximum intensity in ϵ(T) curve decreases, becomes more diffuse and shifts towards higher temperature, dielectric dispersion decreases and classical ferroelectric seems to change to relaxor one. It was concluded, th…

Uniaxial Pressure Effect on Dielectric Properties of 0.7Na0. 5Bi0.5TiO3‐0.3SrTiO3Ceramics

The 0.7Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-0.3SrTiO3 ceramics were prepared by a solid-state mixed-oxide technique at 1180°C. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy studies revealed that the obtained samples possess perovskite structure. The behaviour of the electric permittivity (ɛ) and polarization of these ceramics as a function of uniaxial pressure (0 – 1000 bar) were investigated. Applying pressure shifts and decrease of maximum value of ɛ, a diffuseness of the permittivity characteristics, decrease of the thermal hysteresis and change of the polarization. We discuss our results based on elastic changes in inter-ionic distances in the crystal structure and nanoregions switching processes by pressure. The…

Interpretation of the Electrocaloric Effect in Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-SrTiO3-PbTiO3Solid Solutions

Results of direct measurements of electrocaloric effect and polarization are mutually compared in solid solutions 0.4Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-(0.6-x)SrTiO3-xPbTiO3. Three temperature regions are distinguished in respect of a phase transition temperature. Above the phase transition, electrocaloric effect is determined by orientation of polar nanoregions by electric field. In wide temperature regions above and below the phase transition temperature, the difference between results, obtained from direct electrocaloric effect measurements and from polarization hysteresis loops, is explained by temperature dependence of concentration of polar nanoregions, oriented by electric field. Existence of a common Δ…

Broadband Dielectric Investigation of Sodium Potassium Niobate Ceramic Doped 8% of Antimony

In this work we present dielectric permittivity measurement results of KNN ceramic doped antimony (K0.5Na0.5)(Nb0.92Sb0.08)O3 with sintering aid MnO2 (0.5 mol% MnO2) (KNNSbx + 0.5Mn). Its dielectric properties were investigated in broad frequency (from 20 Hz to 32 GHz) and temperature (from 26 K to 780K) ranges. Above room temperature obtained results show two diffused phase transitions. Below room temperature investigation revealed dielectric permittivity dispersion similar to the relaxor one. The obtained mean relaxation times fulfills Arrhenius relationship with dipole activation energy Ea/kB = 2282 K.

Dielectric Properties of PbSc1/2Nb1/2O3-PbTiO3Ceramics

Lead titanate solid solutions exhibits extreme values of some physical parameters. We have investigated a ferroelectric relaxor ceramics of PSN-PT composition near the morphotropic phase boundary. Results are discussed with account for the relaxor properties related to defects and disordering of the PSN-PT system.

Relaxor ferroelectric PbSc1/2Nb1/2O3—PbZn1/3Nb2/3O3— PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3ceramics

Abstract Original ternary solid solutions PbSc1/2Nb1/2O3 — PbZn1/3Nb2/3O3-PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3 (PSN-PZN-PMN) have been synthesized by solid state reaction from oxides. Ceramic samples have been obtained by both conventional and hot pressing techniques. The density of the obtained hot pressed ceramics reaches 98% of the value calculated from X-ray data. Dense, high quality samples of pure PZN and compositions containing over 0.8 molar parts of PZN could not be obtained — porosity was up to 10% and they were mainly comprised of the cubic pyrochlore phase. Density, porosity, water absorbtivity, and dielectric permittivity and dissipation factor of the ceramic samples have been measured. Data of diff…

International Conference on Functional Materials and Nanotechnologies (FM&NT2012)

The International Conference Functional Materials and Nanotechnologies (FMN ferroics; multiscale and multiphenomenal material modeling and simulation 2. Nanotechnologies including progressive methods, technologies and design for investigation of nanoparticles, nanostructures, nanocomposites, thin films and coatings; 3. Energy including perspective materials and technologies for renewable and hydrogen energy, fuel cells, photovoltaics and developing diverse energy systems. A special section devoted to Organic Materials was organized to commemorate a long-time organizer of the FM&NT conference series, Dr. habil. phys, academician Inta Muzikante who passed away on 15 February 2012. The number …

Radiation-induced defects in antiferroelectric thin films

Abstract Radiation effects on highly oriented antiferroelectric (AFE) PbZrO3 (PZ) films with a thickness of approximately 400 nm are investigated in view of their possible application as a temperature sensitive element in a new bolometer system for fusion devices like ITER. The films were prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The dielectric constant was measured in the frequency range from 1 to 250 kHz in a stepwise cooling mode (∼2 °C min−1) from 400 °C to room temperature before and after irradiation to a fast neutron fluence of 2×1022 m−2 (E>0.1 MeV). After irradiation, the films were annealed in several steps up to ∼400 °C to remove the radiation-induced defects. The results are di…

The Nature of Dielectric Nonlinearity in the Region of Diffused Phase Transition in Layered Ferroelectric BaBi2Nb2O9

By studying the dielectric properties of BaBi 2 Nb 2 O 9 ceramics, a representative of layered ferroelectrics, significant dispersion of ϵ* has been revealed at low- and infra-low frequences in the region of phase transition. Dispersion of ϵ* observed in “low-temperature” region (T T m where the basic contribution to ϵ* is provided by processes of the Maxwell-Wagner relaxation.

LEAD-FREE (Na0.5Bi0.5)1-xBaxTiO3 SINGLE CRYSTALS (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) AND THEIR DIELECTRIC AND PYROELECTRIC PROPERTIES

ABSTRACT Lead-free single crystals of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-BaTiO3 (NBT-BT) system were prepared by Czochralski method and their dielectric and pyroelectric properties have been studied. The results were compared with these for pure NBT. The obtained samples show pure perovskite structure with rhombohedral symmetry at room temperature. Low frequency (100 Hz–100 kHz) investigations reveal the diffuse phase transitions. The obtained results are discussed in terms of local electric and strain fields caused by different ionic radius of (Na, Bi) and Ba ions. The NBT-BT system is expected to be a new promising candidate for lead-free electronic crystals.

Effects of structure ordering, structure defects and external conditions on properties of complex ferroelectric perovskites

Abstract Structural rearrangements in lead-containing (A‘A’) (B’B“)O3 type perovskite compounds are caused by technological treatment, high-energy radiation and ambient conditions. Variation of structure ordering along with modification (substituted or defected solid solutions) may provide promising compositions for applications, e.g., cascade microcryogenic devices (PST solid solutions); efficient piezoelectric materials – here the new (1 – x)Pb(Lu1/2Nb1/2)O3 – xPbTiO3 system in the morphotropic region. The maximum values of the electromechanical coupling coefficients kp = 0·663, kt = 0·481, k 31 = 0·355 were attained in compositions PLuNT 59/41 (Tm = 353°C) near the morphotropic phase bou…

Dielectric Properties of Na0.5K0.5(Nb1-xSbx)O3+MnO2 Ceramics (x = 0.04, 0.05 and 0.06)

Lead-free ceramics Na0.5K0.5(Nb1-xSbx)O3+0.5mol%MnO2 (x = 0.04, 0.05 and 0.06) were prepared by conventional sintering and hot pressing process; their microstructure and dielectric properties have been studied. It is found that increase of sintering temperature promotes the obtaining highly dense microstructure and increase in grain size while doping with Sb contributes to more dense and homogeneous microstructure and smaller grain size. Low frequency (100 Hz-200 kHz) investigations revealed the diffuse phase transitions. It can be concluded from experimental results that Sb doping improves dielectric properties. The obtained materials are expected to be promising candidates for lead-free e…

Photoluminescence in Er-doped 0.4Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-(0.6-x)SrTiO3-xPbTiO3 solid solutions

Photoluminescence and optical second harmonic generation in Er-doped 0.4Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-(0.6-x)SrTiO3-xPbTiO3 solid solutions is studied. Earlier, it was shown that upon increasing of PbTiO3 concent...

Dependence of dielectric permittivity on bias field in Pb1−xBaxSc0.5Nb0.5O3

Abstract Bias field effect on the dielectric permittivity is studied in Badoped lead scandium niobate ferroelectric ceramics (PBSN-x) prepared by conventional technology. Results of this work allow to analyse the mechanism of possible formation and motion of domain and/or phase boundaries in the explored ferroelectric ceramics.

Relation of Dielectric Permittivity and Electric Field Dependence of Polarization in Some Relaxors with Perovskite Structure

The dielectric nonlinearity is studied in ferroelectric relaxors 0.92PbMg1/3 Nb2/3O3-0.08PbTiO3, 0.4Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-0.5SrTiO3-0.1PbTiO3 and Pb0.9075La0.0925 (Zr0.65Ti0.35)0.9775O3. It is shown that above the temperature of dielectric permittivity maximum nonlinearity of dielectric permittivity corresponds to electric field dependence of polarization. The influence of electric field on distribution of relaxation times is studied below the maximum of dielectric permittivity. The role of internal bias field in Pb0.9075La0.0925(Zr0.65Ti0.35)0.9775O3 ceramics is discussed.

Broadband dielectric spectroscopy of 0.4PMN-0.3PSN-0.3PZN ceramics

In this paper, results of the broadband dielectric spectroscopy of 0.4PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3-0.3PbZn1/3Nb2/3O3-0.3PbSc1/2Nb1/2O3(0.4PMN-0.3PZN-0.3PSN) are presented. Dielectric spectra of these solutions were investigated in a broad frequency range from 20 Hz to 100 GHz. Very strong and broad dielectric relaxation was analyzed in terms of distribution of relaxations times, using Tichonov regularization method. It revealed slowing down of the longest relaxation and the mean relaxation times in the agreement with the Vogel-Fulcher law and the Arrhenius law, respectively.

X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy studies in Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-SrTiO3-PbTiO3 solid solutions

The long and short range orders in 0.4Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-(0.6-x)SrTiO3-xPbTiO3 solid solutions were studied by x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction patterns for these composition...

Dynamics of Phase Transition in 0.4NBT-0.4ST-0.2PT Solid Solution

In this paper we present dielectric spectroscopy results of NBT-(0.6-x)ST-xPT with x = 0.2 solid solution. Dielectric investigations clearly showed a relaxor—normal ferroelectric phase transition at TPT = 419 K and low temperature and low frequency dispersion similar to coexistence of dipolar glass and ferroelectric phase. The mean relaxation time above the phase transition follows Vogel—Fulcher law with following parameters: E A = 0.179 eV, τ 0 = 3.39·10−14 s, T VF = 223 K.

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SB-SUBSTITUTED (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 PIEZOELECTRIC CERAMICS

ABSTRACT Lead-free piezoelectric ceramics (K0.5Na0.5)(Nb1-xSbx)O3+0.5 mol.%MnO2, where x = 0 ÷ 0.10, with single phase structure and rhombohedral symmetry at room temperature were prepared by conventional ceramic technology. The optimal sintering temperatures of compositions were within 1100°–1140°C. MnO2 functions as a sintering aid and effectively improves the densification. The samples reached density from 4.26 g/cm3 for undoped (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 to 4.40 g/cm3 for Mn/Sb5+ co-doped ceramics. The co-effects of MnO2 doping and Sb5+ substitution lead to significant improvement in dielectric and piezoelectric properties: e at the Tc increased from 6000 (KNN) to 12400 (x = 0.04), d33 = 92 ÷ 192 …

Synthesis of Lead Zirconate Antiferroelectric Thin Films by Sol-Gel Processing

A modified methoxyethanol sol-gel process was used for the production of PbZrO3 thin films. The new route uses lead oxide [PbO] instead of lead acetate [Pb(OAc)2]. Through the use of this method it is possible to prepare single-phase perovskite materials with improved properties. Examples are given for PbZrO3 thin layers deposited by the spin coating process on TiO2/Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrates from various sols where lead acetate or lead oxide are used as the starting lead compound. The preferred orientation and the perovskite phase content of the films were studied using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for microstructural characterization of the…

STRONTIUM CONCENTRATION DEPENDENCE OF SELECTED STRUCTURAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYCRYSTALLINE Ba1−XSrXTiO3

ABSTRACT Microstructure and material constants such as Young modulus E, shear modulus G, Poisson ratioν of polycrystalline ferroelectric materials Ba1-xSrxTiO3 for 0≤x≤0.4 were investigated to determine their dependence on strontium concentration. The performed investigations showed that the material is chemically homogeneous. It was found that the strontium concentration had no significant influence on the grain size. The highest value of Young's modulus is observed for Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 sample. The performed investigations of mechanical properties made it possible to evaluate the usability of this material for manufacturing transducers and sensors which could work under load.

Impact of Thermal Treatment on the Surface of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-Based Ceramics

This research was funded by the European Regional Development Fund, grant number 1.1.1.2/VIAA/3/19/558. The Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia as the Center of Excellence has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, grant number 739508.

Direct observation of polar nanostructures in PLZT ceramics for electrooptic applications

ABSTRACTTransparent Pb1-yLay(Zr1-xTix)1-y/4O3(PLZT, y=0.0975, x=0.35) ceramics prepared via hot pressing techniques were studied via piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM). Clear piezoelectric contrast is observed in a cubic relaxor phase indicating spatial distribution of polarization with an average cluster size of about 50 nm. The irregular polarization pattern is associated with the formation of a glassy state, where random electric and stress fields are responsible for the disruption of the long-range ferroelectric order. Local poling of the ceramics resulted in the formation of a stable micron-size domain that could be continuously switched under varying dc bias (local hysteresis loop).…

Phase transitions in modified Na 1/2 Bi 1/2 TiO 3 ‐SrTiO 3 solid solutions

Continuous transfer from relaxor to normal ferroelectric phase transition is found in Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-SrTiO3-PbTiO3 if concentration of PbTiO3 increases. The relaxor properties in NBT solid solutions are described by the power law and Vogel-Fulcher relationship, and concentration dependence of the relevant parameters is discussed. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Computational study of the influence of oxygen vacancies on the polarization in irradiated and annealed PLZT ceramics

A physical model for the oxygen defect evolution in PLZT ceramics under neutron irradiation and annealing is proposed. The influence of the defect system on the polarization of these materials has been investigated. The influence of the La content on the material structure and the oxygen defects has been taken into account. Satisfactory agreement between the theoretically estimated oxygen defect concentration after irradiation and annealing and the experimentally determined polarization has been obtained.

Phase Transitions in Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-SrTiO3-PbTiO3Solid Solutions

All sequential steps of transfer from relaxor to normal ferroelectric phase transition are found in Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-SrTiO3-PbTiO3 if concentration of PbTiO3 increases. The relaxor properties in Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-SrTiO3-PbTiO3 solid solutions are described by the power law and Vogel-Fulcher relationship. Concentration dependence of the relevant parameters is discussed. Stability of relaxor and ferroelectric phases is discussed by analyzing behaviour of critical electric fields.

Processing, basic characterization and standard dielectric measurements on PLZT x/65/35 (2≤x≤13) ceramics

ABSTRACTThe influence of external stress (0-800bar) on the dielectric properties of PLZT x/65/35 (2≤x≤13) ceramics was investigated. Applying uniaxial pressure leads to a change in the peak intensity of the electric permittivity (ϵ), of its frequency dispersion as well as in the dielectric hysteresis. The peak intensity of ϵ becomes broader and shifts to lower temperatures for PLZT x/65/35 with x = 2, 4, 6, 7, 9.75, 10, 11 and 13, with increasing pressure, on heating. It was concluded that applying uniaxial pressure induces an increase of Tm, and thus has similar effects as the increase of the Ti ion concentration in the PZT system. Results based on nanoregion switching processes under comb…

Phase transitions of Pb0.99Nb0.02(Zr0.75Sn0.20Ti0.05)O3ceramics

Abstract The dielectric, elastic and electromechanical properties, electrocaloric effect and thermal expansion of poled and depoled Pb0.99Nb0.02(Zr0.75Sn0.20Ti0.05)O3 samples are presented to evaluate the nature of polar phases existing in the solid solution above room temperature. The Kittel's free energy expansion is used to explain some essential features of physical properties.

Corrigendum to “Far-infrared and THz spectroscopy of 0.4PMN–0.3PSN–0.3PZN relaxor ferroelectric ceramics” [J. Eur. Ceram. Soc. 27 (2007) 3713–3717]

NEUTRON IRRADIATION EFFECTS IN PZ and PZT THIN FILMS

ABSTRACT Neutron irradiation effects on highly oriented antiferroelectric PbZrO3 (PZ) and ferroelectric PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3 (PZT) thin films are investigated in view of their possible application as a temperature sensitive element in a new bolometer system for fusion devices like ITER. All investigated thin films were prepared by a sol-gel technique and by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) respectively. The dielectric properties were investigated in a frequency range from 1 to 250 kHz and at temperatures up to 400°C, prior to and after irradiation to a neutron fluence of 3 * 1022 m−2 (E > 0.1 MeV). After irradiation, the films were anneald in several steps up to 400°C in order to remove the radiat…

Electrical Transport Properties of Lead−Free (Na0.5Bi0.5)1-xBaxZr0.04Ti0.96O3Ceramics (x = 0.06, 0.085, 0.1)

Lead-free ceramics (Na0.5Bi0.5)1-xBaxZr0.04Ti0.96O3 were prepared by solid phase hot pressing sintering process. Density values of obtained samples are higher than 95% of the theoretical ones. Samples with x = 0.06, 0.085 and 0.1 were investigated in the present work. For these samples both ac and dc electric conductivity were studied. A low frequency (100 Hz-100 kHz) ac conductivity obeys the power law, characteristic for disordered materials. The dc conductivity has a thermally activated character. A barrier hopping model is found to explain the mechanism of charge transport in these materials. The (Na0.5Bi0.5)1-xBaxZr0.04Ti0.96O3 system is expected to be a new and promising candidate for…

Grain size effect and local disorder in polycrystalline relaxors via scanning probe microscopy

Local piezoresponse of individual grains in polycrystalline Pb0.9125La0.0975(Zr0.65Ti0.35)0.976O3 (PLZT 9.75/65/35) relaxor ceramics is studied using the scanning probe microscopy (SPM) technique. The observed piezoelectric contrast consisting of irregular (labyrinth-type) polarization patterns is attributed to the compositional disorder and consequent charge imbalance caused by high La concentration. A measure of this disorder, the polarization correlation length ξ, is directly determined using an autocorrelation analysis function implemented in the SPM software. The analysis of the obtained images shows that ξ taken at the scale ~200 nm varies as a function of the position inside the grai…

<title>Changes in the temperature dependence of the dielectric constant in irradiated antiferroelectric thin films</title>

A model describing the changes of the Curie-Weiss temperature in lead-zirconate thin films under neutron irradiation is proposed. The Curie-Weiss temperature in the irradiated material decreases which is connected to charges caused by neutron irradiation. The charges located near the surfaces due to Schottky effect and in the bulk of the film results in different rates of the Curie-Weiss temperature decreases with neutron fluence. However the influence of the Schottky layers seems to be more pronounced. Satisfactory agreement between the theoretical results and the experimental data is obtained for different neutron fluences.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Eng…

INFLUENCE OF ZIRCONIUM ON STRUCTURAL, MICROSTRUCTURAL AND FERROELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF BaZr0.20Ti0.80O3 CERAMIC

ABSTRACT Barium zirconium titanate BaZrxTi1-xO3 ceramics have been obtained by conventional method. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the BaZr0.20Ti0.80O3 crystallizes in the cubic structure. The lattice parameter a increases with temperature, at temperature ∼308 K a small deviation is observed. The performed EDS study revealed that the samples were perfectly sintered and that the material was chemically homogeneous. It contains a little glassy phase and the grains are well shaped. The zirconium content (20 mol%) in the examined solid solution caused downward shift of the temperature T m . The increase of the achieved permittivity values ϵm was observed as well.

Structural, Optical, and Dielectric Investigations of the Relaxor PLZT 9,75/65/35 Ceramics Irradiated by High-Current Pulsed Electron Beam

A comprehensive study of high-current pulsed electron irradiation effects on the structural, optical and dielectric properties of relaxor (Pb (1-x )La x )(Zr 0.65 Ti 0.35 ) 1-x/4 O 3 ceramics with x = 9,75 at.% has been performed for the first time. The electron beam had the following parameters: energy E = 250 keV, current density I = 1000 A/cm 2 , pulse duration τ = 300 ns, beam density -10 15 electrons/cm 2 per pulse. Infrared reflectivity spectra in the region of 100 ÷ 2000 cm -1 were obtained in virgin, irradiated by 1500 pulses and annealed up to 500°C ceramics. The reconstruction of perovskite ABO 3 structure in irradiated samples has been studied by combined use of X-ray diffraction…

Interface Effects in Ferroelectric Thin Films

Dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric characteristics in sol-gel derived and pulsed laser deposited (PLD) lead zirconate titanate (PZT), La modified lead titanate (PLT) and zirconate titanate (PLZT) ferroelectric thin films are investigated focusing on maintenance of thin film ferroelectric (FE) properties in a variety of thin film-electrodesubstrate interfaces. Interferometric studies of piezoelectric response of the heterostructures were performed with respect to a DC electrical bias and AC measurement frequency. The asymmetry of piezoelectric coefficient (d33) hysteresis, diminished values of d33, frequency-displacement and spot size — deformation behaviour in the ferroelectric het…

Computer simulation of ferroelectric property changes in PLZT ceramics under neutron irradiation

The response of ferroelectric materials to high energy irradiation is of great interest because of their possible application in radiation environments such as thermonuclear reactors. In the present work a physical model for the defect evolution in PLZT ceramics under neutron irradiation and annealing is proposed. The influence of the defect system on the ferroelectric properties of these materials has been investigated. Satisfactory agreement between the theoretical estimated oxygen defect concentration after irradiation and annealing and the experimentally determined polarization has been obtained.

DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF LEAD-FREE [(1-x)(Na0.5Bi0.5)-xBa]Zr1−yTiyO3CERAMICS (x = 0.01, 0.06, 0.085, 0.09, 0.1 AND y = 0.96, 0.97)

ABSTRACT Lead-free ceramics based on (Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3, NBT)-(Ba(Ti, Zr)O3, BTZ) were prepared by solid phase synthesis and hot pressing sintering process and their dielectric properties have been studied. The obtained results were compared with these for pure NBT. The obtained samples show pure perovskite structure. Low frequency (100 Hz-100 kHz) investigations reveal the diffuse phase transitions and relaxorlike behaviour. The obtained results are discussed in terms of inhomogeneity of ions distribution, their ferro- and antiferroactivity and internal stresses. The NBT-BTZ system is expected to be a new promising candidate for lead-free electronic ceramics.

Soft mode in PMN–PSN ceramics

Various ordered and disordered (1–x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 –x Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3 (PMN–PSN) ceramics were studied by THz transmission spectroscopy in the temperature range of 10–300 K. It is found that the dielectric relaxation dominates in the spectra in higher temperatures, T > 170 K. In contrast, below 150 K, the strength of relaxation becomes so weak that the phonon contribution can be separated. The phonon contributribution in the investigated frequency range (200 GHz–2 THz) is presumably caused by the E component of the Last mode. The component exhibits hardening on cooling in all investigated ceramics and its critical temperature in ferroelectric PMN–PSN ceramics (x = 1, 0.95) is lower than t…

FRACTAL STRUCTURES IN SINGLE CRYSTALS OF FERROELECTRIC LITHIUM NIOBATE GROWN UNDER STRONGLY UNSTABLE CONDITIONS

Atomic force microscopy studies of lithium niobate single crystals containing heterogeneously distributed lanthanide (Gd) admixture and a regular domain structure of 100 nm to 1 μm steps obtained under conditions of severe thermal instability have revealed fractal structures of the size of 10 to 100 nm within regions of the regular domain structures. A super-structure of clustered defects with 1–2 nm steps explaining results of Raman spectra analysis is supposed to exist in the cation sub-lattice and formation of periodic fractal structures of the size of ∼1 nm–100 μm is suggested to take place in lithium niobate single crystals containing lanthanide admixture.

Comparison of the Influences of a Perpendicular and Parallel Uniaxial Stress on the Dielectric and Ferroelectric Properties of Fe Doped BaTiO3Ceramics

The dielectric and ferroelectric properties of Fe-doped BaTiO3 ceramic under uniaxial stress applied perpendicular and parallel to the electric field are presented and analyzed. For the dielectric properties, the results showed that the uniaxial stress reduced an electric permittivity and dielectric losses for the both directions of applied stress. It was also found that an applied uniaxial pressure also enhanced a diffuse phase transformation behaviour. In the case of the ferroelectric properties the applied stress weakens a polarization when it is applied parallel (p∥ac) to the electric field. These results were interpreted through the stress induced domain switching process.

Production and Properties of Lead Scandoniobate Ferroelectric Ceramics Doped with Rare-Earth Oxides

Electrical Transport in Lead-Free [(1−x)(Na0.5Bi0.5)-xBa]Zr1 - yTiyO3Ceramics (x = 0, 0.06, and y = 0, 0.96)

Lead-free ceramics based on (Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 , NBT)-(Ba(Ti,Zr)O 3 , BTZ) were prepared by solid phase hot pressing sintering process and their ac (σ ac ) and dc (σ dc ) conductivity have been studied (303–753 K). Low frequency (100 Hz–100 kHz) ac conductivity obeys power law σ ac ∼ ω s characteristic for disordered materials. The frequency exponent s is a decreasing function of temperature and tends to zero at high temperatures. Dc conductivity has thermally activated character and possesses four linear parts with four different activation energies and some discontinous changes. However, σ ac (T) possesses two linear parts with two different activation energies and more discontinuous ch…

Chemical strain effects and changed lattice dynamic in (Sr1-1.5xBix)TiO3ceramics (x ≤ 0.15)

ABSTRACTIn this work lattice strain (induced by chemical Bi substitution on A-site) effects on the lattice dynamic of SrTiO3 ceramics were investigated by broadband dielectric spectroscopy in the very broad frequency range from 10 mHz up to 30 GHz and temperatures from 30 K to 500 K. Obtained results confirmed predicted induce of the ferroelectricity and suppression of the structural phase transition due to substitution of A-site ions – chemical straining of the lattice, both happening at the local scale but evident in macroscopic dielectric spectroscopy measurements. Calculated relaxation time distribution function broadens towards the longest relaxation times with temperature decrease and…

Nanocomposites for Novel Sensing Systems

The work performed under the National Research Program of Latvia and presented here is about advanced, chemical stimuli responsive materials. Sensor materials are produced on the basis of metallophthalocyanines or zirconia nanocrystals with the purpose of detecting small size molecular compounds like NH3, O2 and O3. Polymer/nanostructured carbon composite is produced to detect large size molecular compounds like organic vapour. Basic gaseous compound sensing principles are discussed within this paper.

SrTiO3and Pr Effects on Structural, Dielectric and Ferroelectric Properties of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3Ceramic

[(Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3)0.7Sr0.3]1-xPrxTiO3(NBTS30P) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.025) ceramics were prepared by solid-state synthesis process. Their crystal structure, microstructure dielectric and ferroelectric properties were studied. XRD data show that all of the ceramics possess a single perovskite phase. SEM results confirm that the ceramics are well sintered and exhibit relative densities higher than 97%. The results also reveal that the microstructure of the different compositions do not show a significant variation. The praseodymium (Pr) substitution to NBTS30 results in a change of crystal structure from cubic to tetragonal at x = 0.025. At the same time, electric permittivity decreases, the maximum is br…

Mechanism of pulsed electron irradiation of the PLZT X/65/35 ceramics

The comprehensive study of high-current pulsed electron irradiation effect on the structure and lattice dynamics as well as Atomic Force (AFM) and Laser Confocal Scanning microscope (LSCM) surface imaginaries of PLZT 8/65/35 ceramics have been performed. X-ray powder diffraction studies show the transformation of the cubic perovskite Pm-3m (Z = 1) into orthorhombic Pmmm (Z = 1) structure for the sample irradiated by one pulse (dose 6 × 1014 electrons/cm2) and into cubic Pm-3m with increased lattice volume and more ordered structure at irradiating by 10 and 100 pulses (dose 6 × 1015 and 6 × 1016 el/cm2). A consequence, the changes of number, intensity and phonon modes position occur in Raman…

Dielectric and Polarization Properties of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-BaTiO3Solid Solutions with Na and K Niobates

The role of substitution in A- and B-sites of perovskite ABO3 structure in phase transitions is evaluated, comparing (1-y)(0.939Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-0.061BaTiO3)-yKxNa1-xNbO3 solid solutions with x = 0.0, x = 0.5 and x = 1.0. The influence of deviation from a stoichiometric Na/Bi ratio is also studied. The influence of K0.5Na0.5NbO3, NaNbO3 or KNbO3 reduces mainly to suppressing of ferroelectric properties, like in other perovskite ferroelectrics where Ti is replaced by Nb, and development of the relaxor state. Besides the frequency-dependent dielectric permittivity, the relaxor state in the studied compositions is characterized also by a temperature dependence of critical electric fields, corres…

Influence of BaTiO<inf>3</inf> on synthesis and structure of lead-free ceramics based on KNN

In the present work lead-free compositions with a stoichiometric formula (1−x)(K 0.5 Na 0.5 )Nb 1−y Sb y O 3 -xBaTiO 3 (x=0.01, 0.02, 0.04; y=0.04, 0.07) were produced by solid state sintering method. Manganese oxide MnO 2 was used as a dopant in order to lower the sintering temperatures. The influence of BaTiO 3 on the microstructure, density, mechanical and electrical properties of Sb-substituted KNN ceramics was investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis revieled pure perovskite structure. Microstructural investigation of the ceramics samples showed homogeneous structure with a slightly rounded cubical grain shape. Phase transition temperature T c is shifted to lower temperatures in compar…

Dielectric response of disordered BaBi2Nb2O9perovskite ceramics

Studies of dielectric properties of BaBi2Nb2O9 ceramics are reported. Considerable dispersion of ?* at low- and infra-low frequencies has been revealed in the region of the diffused phase transition. Dispersion of ?* is divided into ''low-temperature'' dispersion related to relaxation of polar formations and their boundaries and ''high-temperature'' dispersion (at T ? Tm) the main contribution to which comes from Maxwell-Wagner relaxation.

PHASE TRANSITIONS IN Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-SrTiO3-PbTiO3 SOLID SOLUTIONS

ABSTRACT Studies of nature of polarization in ternary solid solutions of Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-SrTiO3-PbTiO3 were done, using measurements of dielectric properties and polarization hysteresis loops. Various stages of relaxor behavior depending on concentration of PbTiO3 were established and compared with other known ferroelectric relaxors.

Production and properties of doped PSN electro-optical ceramics

Due to multifunctionality the transparent ferroelectric ceramics is attractive to solid state chemistry and physics as a promising material for active electro-optic elements. To study doping effects on the technological processing and properties, ceramic samples of Pb1-xZxSc1/2Nb1/2O3, have been prepared, where Z: (1) Ba (0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 1), (2) rare-earth elements: Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu (x equals 0.1), (3) PbSc1/2Nb1/2O3 doped with 5 wt.% of rare-earth oxides. Ceramic characteristics, dielectric and electro-optical parameters have been measured. Differential thermal analysis (DTA), and x-ray diffraction are used to study the infl…

Reversive Dielectric Response in xPZN-(1 − x) PSN Ceramics

The effects of bias fields E= on dielectric response of xPbZn1/3Nb2/3O3-(1 − x)PbSc1/2 Nb1/2O3 ferroelectric solid solutions of x = 0, 0.05, 0.2, and 0.5 studied at temperatures of diffused phase transitions are reported. The thermal interval of the existence of a relaxor phase in the system is found to shrink with the concentration of PbZn1/3Nb2/3O3. The change of the ratio of zinc-lead and scandium-lead niobate components is deduced to change the features of the transition to polarised state from first-order to second-order transition.

<title>Irradiation effects in lead zirconate thin films</title>

Lead zirconate PbZrO3 (PZ) and PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3 (PZT) sol-gel films with a thickness of up to 1.5 μm were deposited on TiO2/Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrates by spin coating technique and heterostructures of the same composition as well as on Pb0.92La0.08 (Zr0.65Ti0.35)O3 (PLZT-8) (with a thickness of 0.4 μm) were pulse laser deposited (PLD) on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si. Observation of a typical antiferroelectric (AFE) double hysteresis loop in obtained PZ heterostructures at room temperature was attributed to the superior dielectric strength in case of thin film materials. The thermal behavior of dielectric permittivity e of PZ film reveals a maximum near 225°C on heating and 219°C on cooling. The higher res…

Phase Transitions in Li, K and Ag Modified Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-SrTiO3-PbTiO3Solid Solutions

Influence of moderate substitution of Na by monovalent metals Li, K and Ag on structure, phase transitions and dielectric properties of 0.4Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-0.4SrTiO3-0.2PbTiO3 is studied. Substitution by Li increases, while substitution by K and Ag decreases tetragonality of unit cell. Li increases, Ag decreases while K weakly influences phase transition temperature. The characteristic for the parent phase relaxor state with Tt approaching Tm in case of substitution by K and Li transfers into diffused phase transition without Tm dependence on frequency and extended region of thermal hysteresis.

Dielectric properties of reactor irradiated ferroelectric thin films

Abstract Radiation effects in highly oriented Pb1Zr0.53Ti0.47O3 (PZT), Pb0.94La0.06Zr0.65Ti0.35O3 (PLZT-6), and PbiZriO3 (PZ) ferroelectric (FE) and antiferroelectric (AF) thin films are investigated in view of their possible application as a temperature sensitive element in a new bolometer system for ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor). The dielectric properties (i.e. hysteresis loops, dielectric constants) of the films were investigated in a frequency range from 20 to 105 Hz and at temperatures up to 450 °C, before and after neutron irradiation to a neutron fluence of 5×1021 m−2 (E<0.1 MeV). The dielectric constant was measured during cooling with 1.7 °Cmin−1. The diel…

Guest Editorial

Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia as the Center of Excellence has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme H2020-WIDESPREAD-01-2016-2017-TeamingPhase2 under grant agreement No. 739508, project CAMART²

Influence of Compressive Stress on Dielectric and Ferroelectric Properties of the Na0. 5K0.5NbO3, Na0.5K0.5(Nb0.94Sb0.06)O3and Na0.5K0.5(Nb0.94Sb0.06)O3+0.5mol%MnO2Ceramics

Good quality lead-free ceramics of Na0.5K0.5NbO3, Na0.5K0.5(Nb0.94Sb0.06)O3 and Na0.5K0.5(Nb0.94Sb0.06)O3 +0.5mol%MnO2 have been produced by a solid phase hot pressing sintering process at 1120–1145°C. The dependence of dielectric and ferroelectric properties on the uniaxial pressure (0–3000 bar) of the these samples was investigated, revealing a significant influence of the external stress on their properties. This includes a shift of the phase transition, a diffuseness of the permittivity characteristics, a change of the dielectric dispersion and a decrease of the polarization. We discuss our results based on hardening of the soft-mode and domain switching processes under applying of pres…

Broad Distribution of Relaxation Times in 0.6PMN-0.4PZN Relaxor Ceramics

In this paper dielectric spectra of 0.6PMN-0.4PZN ceramic obtained from broadband dielectric spectroscopy is presented. Measurements revealed an unusual relaxor like nature. Two different processes in the dielectric spectra have been observed. High frequency, or short relaxation times, behaviour is typical for ferroelectric crystals. Longest relaxation times do not follow Vogel—Fulcher dependence, which is unusual for relaxors.

Effect of Penetrating Irradiation on Polarization Reversal in PZT Thin Films

Spatially non-uniform imprint behavior induced by X-ray synchrotron, electron, and neutron irradiation has been investigated in Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 thin films. The obtained effects have been explained as a result of acceleration of the bulk screening process induced by irradiation. It has been shown that the spatial distribution of the internal bias field is determined by the domain pattern existing during irradiation. The microstructural changes in the structural characteristics during fatigue cycling have been revealed by high resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments. Their correlation with the evolution of the switching characteristics has been revealed and discussed.

Dipolar Glass-Like Perovskite Sr0.8Bi0.2TiO3Ceramic

In this work lead-free Sr0.8Bi0.2TiO3 ceramic have been investigated in the frequency range from 20 Hz to 36 GHz. The obtained results show pronounced dispersion below room temperature. It looks more similar to the one observed in dipolar glasses as in relaxors. Calculated relaxation time distribution function broadens towards longest relaxation times with decreasing temperature. The obtained most probable relaxation time fulfills Vogel-Fulcher relationship with the following parameters: dipole activation energy EA/kB = 1718 K, freezing temperature T0 = 65 K, attempt relaxation time, referring to dipole relaxation at very high temperatures, τ0 = 5.5·10−14 s.

Influence of irradiation on the switching behavior in PZT thin films

Spatially nonuniform imprint behavior induced by X-ray synchrotron, electron and neutron irradiation has been investigated in sol–gel Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 thin films. The analysis of the switching current data reveals the strong influence of irradiation on the switching current shape. The obtained effects have been explained as a result of acceleration of the bulk screening process induced by irradiation. It was shown that the spatial distribution of the internal bias field is determined by the domain structure existing during irradiation. The changes in the structural characteristics during fatigue cycling have been reveled by high resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments on (1 1 1)-ori…

Microscopic Studies of YBCO-Based Polycrystalline Materials

Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy of Ferroelectric Phase Transitions in PbSc1/2Nb1/2O3Ordered Ceramics

Broadband dielectric spectroscopy of PbSc 1/2 Nb 1/2 O 3 (PSN) ordered ceramics are reported within the range of 20 Hz ≤ ν ≤ 2 THz in 80 K ≤ T ≤ 300 K temperatures. Spectrally very broad dielectric dispersion consisting of two parts − at lower frequencies, ferroelectric domains cause a dispersion and at higher frequencies, higher temperatures the relaxation soft mode is responsible for the dispersion. The relaxation soft mode exhibit pronounced hardening on cooling, whilst the ferroelectric phase transition is connected with an abrupt freezing and rise of polar nanoregions into ferroelectric domains.

Features of Phase Diagrams of Binary Pb(B&lt;sub&gt;1/2&lt;/sub&gt;Nb&lt;sub&gt;1/2&lt;/sub&gt;)O&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;-PbTiO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; Systems in Vicinity of Morphotropic Phase Boundaries

Relation between deformation and polarization in the region of diffused phase transition of plzt 8/65/35

Abstract The deformation as a function of polarization was measured in PLZT 8-10/65/35 in the region of diffused phase transition. A different behaviour of deformation in the region of double hysteresis loops was observed corresponding to ferroelectric and nonpolar phases as well as to the field induced phase transition region. In the ferroelectric phase the results are described by electrostriction. The decrease of volume as well as small longitudinal deformations at the field induced transition to ferroelectric state are explained by large remanent deformations, existing in the nonpolar phase. Since description of deformation in the framework of electrostriction cannot be motivated in the…

Dielectric spectra of electron-irradiated PSN ceramics

The influence of electron-irradiation on the dielectric properties of transparent PSN ferroelectric ceramics is studied by low (LF) and infralow (ILF) frequency spectrum analysis. Redistribution of relaxation frequencies caused by electron-irradiation has been discovered and is related to pinning impacts of the radiation-induced defects.

High Electromechanical Coupling in Relaxor Pb(Sc&lt;sub&gt;1/2&lt;/sub&gt;Nb&lt;sub&gt;1/2&lt;/sub&gt;) O&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; - PbTiO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; System Hot-Pressed Piezoelectric Ceramics

Structure and properties of epitaxial ferroelectric PbLu0.5Nb0.5O3thin films

Abstract Epitaxial thin film heterostructures of PbLu0.5Nb0.5O3 (PLuN) and La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 (LSCO) were deposited by in situ pulsed laser ablation onto MgO and LaAlO3 (100) substrates. The formation of crystalline phases, epitaxy, film-electrode-substrate orientation relationships, crystal perfection and chemical order were studied by x-ray diffraction. The structural properties were found to depend on the deposition conditions and on the substrate. The perovskite PLuN films were pseudocubic and epitaxial, with (001) planes parallel to the substrate surface. At room temperature, Au/PLuN/LSCO capacitors exhibited ferroelectric behavior and zero-field dielectric permittivity about e ≅ 210–260, …

Polar nanodomains and local ferroelectric phenomena in relaxor lead lanthanum zirconate titanate ceramics

Transparent Pb0.9125La0.0975(Zr0.65Ti0.35)0.976O3 ceramics (conventionally abbreviated as PLZT 9.75/65/35) is a typical relaxor characterized by the absence of the ferroelectric order at the macroscopic scale. In this letter, we report on the observation of complex polar structures on the surface of this material via piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). The irregular polarization patterns are associated with the formation of a glassy state, where random electric fields destroy the long-range ferroelectric order. The measure of the disorder, the correlation length of ∼50nm, was directly deduced from the PFM images. Local poling of relaxor ceramics resulted in the formation of a stable micro…

Raman spectra and anomalies of dielectric properties and thermal expansion of lead-free (1−x)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-xSrTiO3 (x = 0, 0.08 and 0.1) ceramics

ABSTRACTThermal expansion, Raman and dielectric properties of the lead-free (1−x)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-xSrTiO3 (x = 0, 0.08 and 0.1) ceramic solid solutions, fabricated by the conventional solid-state reaction method, were investigated. The Sr-doping results in an increase of the dielectric permittivity, broadening of the permittivity maximum, enhancement of the relaxation near depolarization temperature, broadening of the Raman bands and shift of all anomalies toward lower temperatures. The observed effects are attributed to an increase of the degree of cationic disorder and enhancement of the relaxor-like features. Anomalies in the thermal expansion strain were observed at the temperatures corre…

Antiferroelectric PbZrO3 thin films: structure, properties and irradiation effects

Abstract Irradiation effects on highly oriented antiferroelectric PbZrO 3 and ferroelectric Pb 0.92 La 0.08 (Zr 0.65 Ti 0.35 )O 3 thin films are investigated being exposed to neutron irradiation up to fluence 2*10 22 m −2 . The higher resistance of antiferroelectric PbZrO 3 thin films as compared to ferroelectric heterostructures to large fluences of neutron irradiation is recognized and discussed. Influence of two factors (structural and charge) was taken into account analysing irradiation effects on materials of different polarization states: ferroelectric PLZT (ceramics and thin films) and antiferroelectric PbZrO 3 films.

Distribution of the relaxation times of the new relaxor 0.4PSN–0.3PMN–0.3PZN ceramics

Abstract The real distribution function of the relaxation times g ( τ ) of the relaxor ferroelectric ceramics 0.4PSN–0.3PMN–0.3PZN is calculated from the experimental dielectric spectra obtained in the frequency range from 20 Hz to 1.25 GHz. Below the Burns temperature T B  ≅ 380 K, where the clusters begin to appear on cooling, the distribution of the relaxation times is symmetrically shaped. On cooling, the permittivity and loss spectra strongly broaden and slow down. The g ( τ ) function becomes asymmetrically shaped and the second maximum appears. The width of the g ( τ ) function is calculated at different temperatures. The shortest relaxation time is of the order of 10 −12  s and it r…

Electrocaloric Effect in (1−x)(0.8Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-0.2BaTiO3)−xCaTiO3 Solid Solutions at High Electric Fields

This research was funded by the Latvian Science Council Fund, grant number lzp-2020/2-0080. The Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia as the Center of Excellence has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, grant number 739508.

New ferroelectric materials on the basis of PbSc1/2Nb1/2O3–PbLu1/2Nb1/2O3 solid solutions

Abstract Original binary solid solutions PbSc 1/2 Nb 1/2 O 3 –PbLu 1/2 Nb 1/2 O 3 (PSN-PLuN) have been produced. First of all nominally pure PSN and PLuN were synthesized by solid state reaction from oxides and carbonates. These compounds were mixed in different proportions to obtain (1− x )PSN− x PLuN solid solutions. Ceramic samples were hot-pressed at gradual change of the temperature. Solid solutions have the perovskite structure and are completely soluble in each other. Differential thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction were used to examine the synthesis and phase constitution. Dielectric properties—dielectric permittivity e and dielectric loss tan δ of ceramic samples of originally s…

Structural, thermal, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of Na0.5K0.5NbO3and Na0.5K0.5NbO3+0.5mol%MnO2ceramics

Lead-free Na0.5K0.5NbO3 and Na0.5K0.5NbO3+0.5mol%MnO2 ceramics were fabricated by solid state hot pressing sintering process. The phase structure and thermal, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of these ceramics were investigated. X-ray measurements showed that all samples have a single perovskite structure and possess orthorhombic–tetragonal and tetragonal–cubic phase transitions. Sequence of phase transitions was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dielectric measurements. Obtained results showed that optimal temperature sintering of Na0.5K0.5 NbO3+0.5mol%MnO2 ceramics is 1100 °C. The results show that investigated ceramics are one of the promising materials as e…

Microscopy studies of the surface of high-temperature superconductor films

The surface morphology is studied by use of optical and electron microscopes with respect to production regime (rate and temperature of crystallization) of the 50 - 125 micrometer thick doped YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 films obtained by Stokes sedimentation on SrTiO 3 ceramic substrate (size 20 mm by 5 mm by 0.5 mm) and firing in air or oxygen following the MTG procedure, performed in the gradient tube furnace. Evolution of thick film structure with regard to temperature and cooling rate is studied.

Processing and properties of nanocrystalline Pb(Sc0.5Ta0.5)O3, Pb(Sc0.5Nb0.5)O3, Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3and Pb0.76Ca0.24TiO3films and ferroelectric/ relaxor superlattices

Abstract Thin films of relaxor materials, namely Pb(Sc0.5Ta0.5)O3 (PST), Pb(Sc0.5Nb0.5)O3 (PSN) and Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PMN), and of Pb0.76Ca0.24TiO3 (PTC), which is a classical ferroelectric as bulk material, have been produced to examine whether nanocrystalline relaxor materials show influences in their properties if their grain size is reduced to dimensions known from their nanodomains and to investigate effects in a superlattice of nanocrystalline ferroelectric and relaxor films. At first amorphous films of the different materials were deposited onto a Ti/Pt coated Silicon (100) wafer by reactive rf-sputtering. Different grain sizes could be prepared by a controlled annealing process. The…

Structure and Dielectric Properties of Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-BaTiO3Solid Solutions

Dielectric properties, polarization and x-ray diffraction are studied for (1-x)Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-xBaTiO3 solid solutions in a concentration range above the morphotropic phase boundary. It is showed that all the studied compositions have tetragonal structure with maximal tetragonality slightly above the morphotropic phase boundary. Ferroelectric relaxor behavior is observed in a wide concentration range of BaTiO3. Stability of the relaxor state decreases with increasing BaTiO3 concentration, but only for compositions with low Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3 content the normal ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition, which is characteristic to pure BaTiO3, occurs. Mechanisms, which influence the change of th…

Dielectric nonlinearity of ferroelectric solid solutions PMN-PZN and PMN-PNN

Abstract Obtaining of novel thin film materials for electrically tuneable capacities is one of the current problems of ferroelectric material application. The most appropriate materials are the ferroelectric lead-containing niobates: PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3 (PMN), PhZn1/3Nb2/3Os (PZN), PbNi1/3Nb2/3O3 (PNN) and their solid solutions were synthesized by solid state reactions at 800–900 °C from oxides. Results of the studies of thermal dependence of dielectric permeability and loss factors of the synthesized solutions are provided together with reciprocal dielectric permeability as function of temperature and electric field intensity. The dielectric characteristics of nonlinear materials are reported e…

Morphotropic ceramic solid solutions of the Pb(B3+½Nb½)O3- PbTiO3binary system

Abstract The structure, dielectric, ferroelectric and electromechanical properties of lead lutecium niobate-titanate (PLuNT) and lead erbium niobate-titanate (PErNT) binary systems are reported. The data of phase diagram, crystallographic symmetry and morphotropic phase boundaries (MPB) are provided. High values of the electromechanical coupling coefficients kp = 0.66, kt = 0.48, k31 = 0.36 of (1−x)PLuN − xPT ceramics are attained in compositions near the MPB at x≈0.41.

Physical properties and microstructure characteristics of (1–x)BaTiO3–xCaTiO3 systems

The study investigates the microstructure, thermal and mechanical properties of (1–x)BaTiO3–xCaTiO3 ((1–x)BT–xCT)) (x = 0.01, 0.04, 0.08) samples. The BT–CT system to be tested was formed as a soli...

Dielectric and Ferroelectric Properties of Lead-Free NKN and NKN-Based Ceramics

Lead-free ceramics of Na0.5K0.5NbO3 (NKN), Na0.5K0.5(Nb0.94Sb0.06)O3 (NKNS6) and Na0.5K0.5(Nb0.94Sb0.06)O3 + 0.5%MnO2 (NKNS6 + 0.5%MnO2) have been prepared by a solid phase hot pressing sintering process. X-ray diffraction results show that the obtained samples possess the perovskite structure. The micrograph of the fractured surface showed a dense structure in a good agreement with that of 91–94% relative density determined by the Archimedes method. An average grain size decreases with Sb and Mn doping (from about 20 μm for NKN to about 5 and 2 μm for NKNS6 and NKNS6 + 0.5%MnO2, respectively). Low frequency (100 Hz–200 kHz) investigations revealed the diffuse phase transitions. It was foun…

Dielectric nonlinearity of the PBB′B″O3 ferroelectric solid solutions

Abstract Obtaining of novel thin film materials for electrically tuneable capacities is one of the current problems of ferroelectric material application. Suitable ferroelectric compounds exhibiting broad phase transitions and small dielectric loss in the paraelectric phase have been searched for the purpose. Lead-containing niobates PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3 (PMN), PbNi1/3Nb2/3O3 (PNN) and PbZn1/3Nb2/3O3 (PZN) and their solid solutions have been found as most appropriate. Materials have been synthesized by solid phase reactions from the relevant oxides; ceramic samples were obtained by conventional ceramic technology. Results of the studies of thermal dependence of dielectric permeability and loss fa…

Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy of PSN-Rich PMN-PSN Ceramics

The broadband dielectric permittivity of ordered 0.1PMN-0.9PSN and disordered 0.2PMN-0.8PSN ceramics was investigated. The anomaly of dielectric permittivity is clearly seen in the region of 370 K for 0.1 PMN-0.9 PSN at all frequencies. 0.2 PMN-0.8 PSN shows relaxor behaviour with huge frequency dispersion below 350 K. Calculated distribution of relaxation times shows noticeable influence of polar nano regions to the total dielectric spectrum below 320 K with the longest relaxation times edge diverging according to the Vogel-Fulcher law. In 0.1 PMN-0.9 PSN two a little overlapped peaks present in the distribution of relaxation times, influenced by displacive lead motions at high frequencies…

Far-infrared and THz spectroscopy of 0.4PMN–0.3PSN–0.3PZN relaxor ferroelectric ceramics

Abstract Temperature dependence of the optic phonons in 0.4PbMg 1/3 Nb 2/3 O 3 –0.3PbSc 1/2 Nb 1/2 O 3 –0.3PbZn 1/3 Nb 2/3 O 3 (0.4PMN–0.3PSN–0.3PZN) ceramics were studied by means of FTIR reflection and THz transmission spectroscopy in the temperature range of −253.15 to 226.85 °C. On heating from low temperatures, the A 1 component of the strongly split TO 1 mode softens towards the Burns temperature, but the softening ceases near 126.85 °C which could be a signature of polar cluster percolation temperature. Surprisingly, the TO 2 mode also softens on heating and follows the Cochran law with extrapolated critical temperature close to the melting point.

Storage of information in lithium niobate single crystals

Reported studies of recording information were made with a number of LiNbO 3 compositions: stoichiometric and congruent single crystals. The present study shows that recording is possible in pure LiNbO 3 single crystals and in single crystals containing inactive cation dopants. Recording in stoichiometric crystals is likely possible because of a considerable amount of electrons localised in shallow traps. Absence of recorded information in pure congruent crystals were observed.

Phase transitions in Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-(Sr0.7Bi0.2)TiO3-PbTiO3 solid solutions

ABSTRACTIncreasing of Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 concentration in Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 solid solutions causes increasing of Bi/Na relation and vacancies in the A-site of perovskite structure. In temperature dependence of dielectric permittivity, such a change of composition is reflected by transforming of the frequency-dependent shoulder into a maximum characteristic for relaxor ferroelectrics and diminishing of the frequency-independent maximum characteristic for Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3. Here changes in behavior of dielectric permittivity and polarization are studied if PbTiO3 is added in a certain concentration range of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 solid solutions. Changes of the characteristic temp…

Depolarization Currents and Ageing in Layered Na0.5Bi8.5Ti2Nb4O27and Na0.5Bi8.5Ti2Ta4O27Ferroelectrics

The present study is focused on the behaviour of polarization and depolarization currents and processes of the slow relaxation of polarization within the range of temperatures where the anomalies are displayed by the materials. Results of the study are discussed with regard to possible existence of defect complexes in disordered ferroelectrics.

Evolution of dielectric permittivity under applied field in PLZT 8.3/70/30 ceramics

Abstract The jump of dielectric permittivity as function of bias field applied after various duration of storage at the measurement temperature is investigated. The influence of storage time on ϵ(E=) depends on the value of bias field and frequency of measuring field. It is found that ϵ(E=) depends on the path of how particular field value is reached.

Synthesis, microstructure and dielectric properties of (1−x)PSN−xPLuN

Ceramic lead niobates and their solid solutions PSN–PLuN (pure lutecium niobate) were synthesized by solid state reactions. The sequence of phases formed at PSN–PLuN synthesis has been studied by X-ray analysis. Their symmetry changed from rhombohedral for PSN to pseudo-monoclinic for the 0.75PSN–0.25PLuN compositions. The performed EDS investigations revealed that the samples PSN–PLuN are perfectly sintered. They contain a little glassy phase and their grains are well shaped. The increase of lutecium content in the examined solid solution caused downward shift of the temperature of the phase transition. The decrease of the achieved permittivity values ϵ was observed as well.

PLZT—Synthesis, sintering and ceramics microstructure

Abstract Producing of PLZT powders by original two-stage co-precipitation method from mixed solution of inorganic salts ZrOCl 2 ·8H 2 O, TiCl 4 , La(NO 3 ) 3 ·6H 2 O, Pb(NO 3 ) 2 , was carried out. The sequence of phases formed during PLZT synthesis has been studied by X-ray and DTA analysis. Ceramic samples were prepared by two-stage hot-pressing technology. Dielectric, ferroelectric and optical properties have been measured. Ceramic microstructures were studied by SEM with energy dispersive analytical capability (EDX). The fine-grained microstructure was quite uniform with the average grain size of 5–7 μm, without internal or grain boundary porosity. The optical transmittance of ceramic p…

Effect of surface disorder on the domain structure of PLZT ceramics

ABSTRACTPb1-xLax(Zr0.65Ti0.35)1-x/4O3 (PLZT x/65/35) ceramics were studied by Piezoresponse Force Microscopy in order to understand the origin of domain structure as a function of La content. We show that the domain topology is mainly determined by the composition and grain size. The characteristic correlation length decreases with increasing La content, being sensitive also to the synthesis method. The behavior of the correlation length is linked to the macroscopic properties, showing a strong increase of disorder with La doping. The roughness exponent for the domain wall in PLZT 9/65/35 is close to 2/3 indicating 1D character of domain walls in relaxors.

Field Induced Evolution of Nanoscale Structures in Relaxor PLZT Ceramics

Abstract The kinetics of the nanoscale structures under application of bipolar and unipolar ac field was investigated by recording of the switching charge in wide temperature and field range in hot-pressed relaxor PLZT ceramics. Original analysis of the switching charge data was based on the consideration of the field induced transformation as an evolution of the nanoscale domain structure with nanoscale nonpolar inclusions. We have shown that the inhomogeneous depolarization field produced by the bound charges existing at the interphase boundaries play the key role in spontaneous backswitching effects.

Electromechanical properties of Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 -SrTiO 3 -PbTiO 3 solid solutions

Abstract Thorough studies of electric field-induced strain are presented in 0.4Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-(0.6-x)SrTiO3-xPbTiO3 (NBT-ST-PT) ternary solid solutions. The increase of concentration of lead x induces crossover from relaxor to ferroelectric. Strain in a relaxor state can be described by electrostrictive behavior. The electrostrictive coefficients correspond to other well-known relaxor ferroelectrics. The concentration region with a stable ferroelectric phase revealed that the polarization dependence of strain does not exhibit nonlinearity, although they are inherent to the electric field dependence of strain. In this case, electric field dependence of strain is described in terms of the Ray…

Influence of Compressive Stress on Dielectric and Ferroelectric Properties of the(Na0.5Bi0.5)0.7Sr0.3TiO3Ceramics

Good quality lead-free ceramics of (Na0.5Bi0.5)0.7Sr0.3TiO3(NBTS30) have been produced by a solid phase sintering process. The dependence of dielectric and ferroelectric properties on the unaxial pressure (0–1200 bar) were investigated. A shift and decrease of maximum value of e, decrease of the thermal hysteresis and coercive field and increase of polarization with increasing pressure were observed. The results were discussed in terms of an elastic changes in inter-ionic distances in a crystal structure and switching nanoregions under the action of pressure. The NBTS30 ceramic is expected to be a new promising candidate for lead-free electronic material.

Anomalous Broad Dielectric Dispersion of 0.4PZN-0.3PSN-0.3PZN Relaxor Ceramics at Lower Temperatures

Dielectric properties of 0.4PbZn1/3Nb2/3O3-0.3PbSc1/2Nb1/2O3-0.3PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3- (0.4PZN- 0.3PSN-0.3PMN) ceramics are presented for 200 &lt; T &lt; 500 K and 20 Hz &lt; ν &lt; 1 MHz. Dielectric constant is very high (more 14000) in the vicinity of the peak. Anomalous broad dielectric relaxation have been observed near the temperature of the maximum permittivity, Tm (at 1 kHz). External bias field considerably lowers the value of dielectric losses at low frequencies due to decrease of polar nano regions contribution to the dielectric permittivity.

Influence of sintering temperature on microstructure of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 ceramics

Abstract Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT)-based compositions are among the most promising lead-free ferroelectrics. Although studies of modification of NBT-based compositions’ properties are a hot topic, there has been very little attention paid to their characterization from the standpoint of ceramics and the process of producing them. Here, we report on comprehensive analysis of the influence of sintering temperature across a wide temperature range (1020–1240 °C) on the complete microstructure and chemical content of NBT ceramics produced by solid state sintering, which is dominating in producing of NBT ceramics. Thorough attention is paid to the grain size distribution, porosity, and inhomogeneity. …

Structure and dielectric properties of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-CaTiO3 solid solutions

Despite wide studies of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3, structure of this material and its connection with the observed physical properties still raise numerous questions due to mutually contradicting results obtained. Here, structure and dielectric properties of poled and unpoled Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-CaTiO3 solid solutions are studied, projecting the obtained concentration dependence of structure and dielectric properties on pure Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 as the end member of this material group. X-ray diffraction patterns for Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-CaTiO3 solid solutions reveal dominating of an orthorhombic Pnma phase, even for the compositions approaching the end composition (Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3), whereas structure of pure Na0.5Bi0.…

Direct and indirect determination of electrocaloric effect in Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3

This work has been supported by the National Research Program in the framework of the project “Multifunctional Materials and composites, photonics and nanotechnology (IMIS2).”

Influence of Uniaxial Pressure on Dielectric Properties and Aging Effect of BiFeO3Ceramic

The external stress (0–1500 bar) dependence of dielectric properties and an aging effect of BiFeO3 ceramic has been investigated. The electric permittivity and dielectric losses first increased (up to about 700 bar) and next decreased with uniaxial pressure applied parallel to the ac field direction, while increased with the stress perpendicularly applied. It was suggested that combination of the de-aging, clamping of the domain walls, and the polarization reorientation mechanisms can be responsible for these changes. The aging effect is followed logarithmic law and is related to the relaxation of the domain structure towards an equilibrium configuration.

Dielectric Properties of the 0.05PZN–0.95PSN Ferroelectric Ceramics at Low and Infra-Low Frequencies

Manifestations of relaxor properties similar to those observed in lead magnesium niobates are reported in the 0.05PZN–0.95PSN ceramic solid solution system. Behaviour of the effective dielectric permittivity and dielectric loss with temperature at frequencies between 0.1 and 10 Hz at different field amplitudes are examined in ceramic samples of 0.05PZN–0.95PSN. The temperature T m of the dielectric permittivity maximum is observed to decrease with the increase of the measuring field amplitude E o . Dependence of T m on frequency at strong and weak fields is observed to follow the Fogel-Fulcher law, and the Fogel-Fulcher temperature is found to decrease with the increase of E o . Results of …

Ceramics and Thin Films of Some New Pb(B 3+ ,Nb)TiO 3 -PbTiO 3 Systems

The structure, dielectric, and electromechanical properties of (1 m x )Pb(B 3+ ,Nb)TiO 3 - x PbTiO 3 binary systems (B = Lu, Er, Tb, Ho) are reported. The crystallographic features at the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) between tetragonal P4mm and pseudo-monoclinic M phases are discussed with respect to electro-mechanical properties. Doping effect (with La 3+ ) on the properties of ceramic samples of pseudobinary Pb(Lu 1/2 Nb 1/2 )O 3 -PbTiO 3 (PLuNT) system has been investigated. Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )-PbTiO 3 (PT) solid solutions were studied under different processing conditions for obtaining ceramics of 100% perovskite structure with sufficient high j T EC ∼ 1 K near room temperature. The…

Thermal Expansion, Burns Temperature and Electromechanical Properties in Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-SrTiO3-PbTiO3Solid Solutions

Thermal expansion and electromechanical properties are studied for compositions Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-SrTiO3-PbTiO3, belonging to various locations in the phase diagram. The main purpose of the studies is to extend the range of physical properties, which characterise the relaxor state and could be used for comparison with other relaxors. Possibility to evaluate Burns temperature from thermal expansion is discussed. The obtained results are compared to the well-know relaxor ferroelectric PLZT.

Microscopic studies of surface morphology of high temperature superconductor thick layers

Abstract The surface morphology and structure of the YBa2Cu3O7−δ superconductor ayers prepared on passive ceramic and single crystal substrates is studied by electron microscopy. The layers reveal features of structure formation.

Radiation effects in transparent ferroelectric ceramics

Radiation of different types ((gamma) -rays, electrons, neutrons) and fluence has been used to study the defect processes as well as the change of physical parameters in PLZT X/65/35 (X equals 4.5 - 11 at.%) and PbSc 0.5 Nb 0.5 O 3 (PSN) ceramics and to evaluate critical irradiation conditions. Effects on optical (extinction) spectra and dielectric characteristics (polarization, thermal and frequency dependences of dielectric permittivity (epsilon) and losses), dependent on composition and state of phase and polarization have been analyzed by means of annealing in isochronic and prolonged time regimes. A gradual shift of extinction edge to longer wavelengths, reduction of polarization and (…

Structure and properties of high piezoelectric coupling Pb(B′½Nb½)O3-PbTiO3binary systems

Abstract The (1-x)Pb(Lu½ Nb½)O3-xPbTiO3 and (1-x)Pb(Er½ Nb½)O3-xPbTiO3 binary systems have been obtained, the structure and properties of which are studied. The unit cell of erbium niobate (PErN) is described as pseudomonoclinic of orthorhombic Bmm2 symmetry: a=c=4.2161 A b=4.0869 A β=90.55° and composition is characterized with antiferroelectric phase transition at 305°C. The PErNT system has the morphotropic phase region extending over the x=0.4–0.6 interval. In PLuNT ceramics system the pseudomonoclinic phase structure Bmm2 extending over the 0≤x ≤0.38 interval becomes pseudocubic at x≈ 0.2. The morphotropic region is spread over 0.38< × < 0.49; at higher PT concentrations (1.0 ≥ × ≥ 0.4…

Grain-size-induced relaxor properties in nanocrystalline perovskite films

Thin films of ${\mathrm{Pb}}_{0.76}{\mathrm{Ca}}_{0.24}{\mathrm{TiO}}_{3}$ (PTC), which is a classical ferroelectric as a bulk material and of the relaxor material $\mathrm{Pb}({\mathrm{Sc}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{Nb}}_{0.5}){\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, have been produced to find out whether nanocrystalline ferroelectric films show a grain-size-induced relaxor behavior. Amorphous films were deposited onto a $\mathrm{Ti}∕\mathrm{Pt}$ coated silicon (100) wafer by reactive $\text{rf}$ sputtering. Different grain sizes were prepared by a controlled annealing process and they were determined by profile analysis of x-ray diffraction spectra. Temperature dependent Raman spectroscopy was used to look for phase trans…

Study of Tetragonal Phase in 0.4Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-(0.6-x)SrTiO3-xPbTiO3Solid Solutions by Second-Harmonic Generation

Description of the local symmetry of relaxor ferroelectrics, especially in connection with nature of polar nanoregions, is one of the key questions in research of relaxor ferroelectrics. Unlike such well-known relaxor ferroelectrics as PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3 and (Pb,La)(Zr0.65Ti0.35)O3, ternary solid solutions 0.4Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-(0.6-x)SrTiO3-xPbTiO3 show clear coexistence of phases of tetragonal and cubic symmetry, which is established by x-ray diffractometry. Since the second-harmonic generation spectroscopy is a sensitive tool in determination of deviation from symmetry, containing a centre of inversion, it is used as an additional method in characterization of structure in 0.4Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-(0.6…

Effect of Electromechanical Loading on the Dielectric Properties of PLZT−x/65/35 Ceramics (x = 8 and 8.5)

The influence of uniaxial pressure (0-800 bars) applied parallel to the ac electric field on the dielectric properties of La−modified lead–zirconate−titanate ceramics with the Zr/Ti ratio of 65/35 was investigated. Applying uniaxial pressure leads to the reduction of the peak intensity of the electric permittivity (ϵ), of the frequency dispersion as well as of the dielectric hysteresis. The peak intensity of ϵ becomes diffuse and shifts with increasing the pressure. Our results show that applying uniaxial pressure induces similar effects as increasing the Ti−ion concentration in PZT system. We interpreted our results based on domain switching processes under the action of combined electrome…

Structure and dielectric properties at phase transition of Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-BaTiO3 solid solutions

ABSTRACTPhase coexistence region is studied by x-ray diffraction for Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-BaTiO3 solid solutions in the tetragonal phase side from the morphotropic phase boundary. The first order ferroelectric phase transition, determined from a jump in the temperature dependence of dielectric permittivity, is located inside the coexistence region of cubic and tetragonal phases and is below the temperature, where tetragonality disappears. At low BaTiO3 concentrations phase transition into ferroelectric state at cooling is slowly approached in time and is smeared over large temperature range. Rietveld method, applied for more precise evaluation of phase content, reveals large local deformations in…

Influence of Sr addition on structural, dielectric and Raman properties of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3ceramics

ABSTRACTLead free (Na0.5Bi0.5)1-xSrxTiO3 (x = 0, 0.01 and 0.02) ceramics were produced by a conventional solid-state sintering method. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the obtained samples possess the perovskite structure with rhombohedral symmetry. The microstructure study shows a dense structure, in agreement with the relative density (above 97%). Dielectric analysis revealed the diffuse character of the electric permittivity anomalies and their shift to a lower temperature range after Sr doping of NBT. The Raman spectra are similar for all samples in agreement with the X-ray diffraction data. The possible origin of the observed effects was discussed.

High Electrocaloric Effect in Ferroelectrics

The existing situation in prospects of application of electrocaloric effect (ECE), related to finding ferroelectrics exhibiting high values of ECE, is discussed. Besides 1st order ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transitions, which were most promising till recent time with respect to high values of ECE, there are other approaches, related to ECE in high field range in relaxors and polymers. The restrictions of application of traditional indirect evaluation of ECE in ferroelectrics are discussed.

Nanoscale Domain Structure in Relaxor PLZT x/65/35 Ceramics

We present the experimental study of the geometry of the nanoscale domain structure in classical lead zirconate-titanate relaxor ceramics (Pb1 − x La x )(Zr0.65Ti0.35)O3 (PLZT) with La concentration from 5 to 10%. The analysis of the switching current data measured in rectangular pulses indicates the existence of random three-dimensional maze-type domain structure. High-resolution domain visualization performed using Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM) reveals nanoscale domain patterns. The domain structures existing in PLZT ceramics after zero-field-cooling represent the nanoscale quasi-regular maze (“finger-print”). Statistical and fractal analysis of PFM images was performed for quantit…

Uniaxial stress dependence of the dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the Na0.5K0.5NbO3and Na0.5K0.5NbO3 + 0.5 mol%MnO2ceramics

Na0.5K0.5NbO3 and Na0.5K0.5NbO3 + 0.5 mol%MnO2 lead-free ceramics have been produced by solid phase hot pressing sintering process at 1120–1145°C. The results of the X-ray diffraction measurements showed that the obtained samples possessed a perovskite structure. The micrograph of the fractured surface showed a dense ceramic structure, in compliance with 93% relative density determined by the Archimedes method. The dependence of dielectric and ferroelectric properties on the uniaxial compressive stress (0–3000 bar) of the Na0.5K0.5NbO3 and Na0.5K0.5NbO3 + 0.5 mol%MnO2 ceramics was investigated. Significant influence of the external stress on these properties was revealed. It includes a shif…

Modeling of trapped charge effects in ferroelectrics: application to piezoactuators

The strain response of lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric multilayer actuators have been measured up to 10 7 N/m 2 stress and the 3.10 6 V/m periodic unipolar driving voltage. An additional nonstationary strain component is detected. This effect is explained in terms of a simple solution of polarization kinetics specific for unipolar driving voltage. Preliminary experimentally assertions are given for space charge effects which manifest itself in the strain as well as charge plot after removing the mechanical load. It demonstrates that the static load free equilibrium of the actuator is not complete and the charge recently supported by the piezo voltage and then trapped forms a nonunifor…

Phase transitions and properties of perovskite ferroelectric ceramics and films for certain applications

Abstract The structure-properties relationships and phase transitions in perovskite ceramics, and films of PLZT, PLZST, PST, PSN, PMNT compounds are discussed with regard to ordering, relaxor behaviour, pronounced ferroelectric, electromechanical and electrocaloric properties. The theoretical approach is extended to the time dependent Ginsburg-Landau model. The evolution of dielectric properties in relaxors after the change of temperature and electric field creating an increase of dielectric permittivity is found to follow a logarithmic law of decay. A strong electromechanical response is observed in a number of thin films of different compositions.

Behaviour of thermal expansion of (1-x)Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3–xPbTiO3 solid solutions

The publication costs of this article were covered by the Estonian Academy of Sciences and the University of Tartu.

Influence of Compressive Stress on Dielectric and Ferroelectric Properties of the 0.9PbSc0.5Nb0.5O3-0.1PbLu0.5Nb0.5O3Ceramics

0.9PbSc0.5Nb0.5O3-0.1PbLu0.5Nb0.5O3ceramics were prepared by a solid-state mixed-oxide technique. The phase formation and microstructure were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The influences of compressive stress (0 – 1500 bar) applied parallel to the electric field on the dielectric and ferroelectric properties of these ceramics were investigated. The results showed that the compressive stress had pronounced effects on these properties. With increasing pressure, the electric permittivity maximum decreases and shifts to higher temperature, thermal hysteresis, dielectric dispersion and polarization decrease. The obtained results were …

AC Switching of Relaxor PLZT Ceramics

The switching under application of bipolar ac field is studied by recording of the hysteresis loops in wide temperature and field range in PLZT x/65/35 ceramics. The qualitative difference of the shape of hysteresis loops above and below the freezing temperature is attributed to backswitching in relaxor phase due to the depolarization field produced by the bound charges located at the interphase boundaries. The application of the quasistatic approach to analysis of the experimental data allows us to obtain parameters of the distribution function of local coercive fields from the field dependence of the switching charge derivative on field.

Dielectric properties of 0.4Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–(0.6-x)SrTiO3–xPbTiO3 solid solutions

Abstract In this paper we present our measurements of the linear and nonlinear dielectric permittivity of 0.4 Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 TiO 3 – ( 0.6 - x ) SrTiO 3 – xPbTiO 3 solid solutions (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15). The dielectric anomaly increases in the system with respect to the concentration of lead, showing that interactions between dipolar entities are modified. The system exhibits dipolar-glass-like behaviour at low values of x ( 0 ⩽ x 0.1 ). Relaxor behaviour emerges in the sample where x = 0.1 . Furthermore, a spontaneous first-order phase transition from relaxor to normal ferroelectric is observed at x ⩾ 0.15 . A few peculiar dispersion regions are observed in the ferroelectric phase, which …

&lt;title&gt;Optical characteristics of doped lithium niobate single crystals&lt;/title&gt;

Studing of the Raman spectra was established that an optical parameters of oxygen-polyhedral ferroelectric single crystals can be improved by increasing the degree of structural ordering of the cation sublattice along the polar axis by doping them. In this case the impurity ions with the ionic radii close to the radii of the main cations (Li+ and Nb5+) and charges intermediate between those of main cations (1<Z<5) in the area of rather low concentrations were shown to exert an ordering effect on the cation sublattice of a congruent lithium niobate single crystals. Moreover the crystal resistance to laser radiation is also observed to grow. It was determined that the effect of diminishing ph…

Dielectric investigation of lead‐free perovskite strontium titanate with 25% bismuth ceramics

In this work lead-free 0.75SrTiO3-0.25BiTiO3 ceramics have been investigated in broad frequency range. Obtained results showed pronounced dispersion below room temperature typical for the dipolar glasses. The calculated relaxation time distribution function broadens toward longest relaxation times part on cooling. The obtained most probable relaxation time diverges according to the Vogel-Fulcher relationship with the following parameters: dipole activation energy EA=2123 K, glassy state temperature T0=52.7 K, shortest relaxation time, referring to dipole relaxations at very high temperatures, τ0=2.1·10–14 s. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Some New Ceramics and Thin Films of Pb(B 3+ ,Nb)TiO 3 -PbTiO 3 System

The structure, dielectric, and electromechanical properties of (1-x)Pb(B 3+ ,Nb)TiO 3 -xPbTiO 3 binary systems (B=Lu,Er,To,Ho) are reported. High values of the electromechanical coupling coefficien...

Novel octahedral tilt system a + b + c + in (1 − x)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–xCdTiO3 solid solutions

This work has been supported by National Research Program in the framework of project “Multifunctional Materials and composites, photonics and nanotechnology (IMIS2)”.

Infrared and broadband dielectric spectroscopy of PZN-PMN-PSN relaxor ferroelectrics: Origin of two-component relaxation

Dielectric spectra of several solid solutions of $\mathrm{Pb}{\mathrm{Mg}}_{1∕3}{\mathrm{Nb}}_{2∕3}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Pb}{\mathrm{Sc}}_{1∕2}{\mathrm{Nb}}_{1∕2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Pb}{\mathrm{Zn}}_{1∕3}{\mathrm{Nb}}_{2∕3}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ (PMN-PSN-PZN) relaxor ferroelectrics were investigated in a broad frequency range from $20\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{Hz}$ up to $100\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{THz}$ by a combination of dielectric spectroscopy $(20\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{Hz}\char21{}53\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GHz})$, time-domain terahertz spectroscopy $(0.1\char21{}0.9\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{TH…

PLZTx/65/35 ceramics (x = 2 and 4) under electromechanical and temperature loading

The effect of uniaxial pressure (0–1000 bars) applied parallel to the ac electric field on dielectric properties of La-modified lead–zirconate–titanate, Pb(Ti,Zr)O3 (PZT), ceramics with Zr/Ti ratio of 65/35 was investigated. The experimental results revealed that applying uniaxial pressure leads to a reduction of the peak intensity of the electric permittivity (e), of the frequency dispersion as well as of the dielectric hysteresis. Moreover, with increasing pressure, the peak intensity of e becomes diffuse and shifts to a higher temperature. It was concluded that applying uniaxial pressure induces similar effects as increasing the Ti–ion concentration in PZT system. The obtained results we…

Electrocaloric Effect in Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-SrTiO3-PbTiO3Solid Solutions

Electrocaloric effect is studied in a group of triple solid solutions 0.4Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-(0.6-y)SrTiO3-yPbTiO3. Contribution of electric field-induced phase transition in the total value of temperature change, caused by electric field, is evaluated. The highest value of electrocaloric effect is observed for composition 0.4Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-0.4SrTiO3-0.2PbTiO3, in which the depolarization temperature, characteristic for relaxor ferroelectrics, merges with the temperature of maximum of dielectric permittivity. Applicability of thermodynamic description is discussed.

Evolution of dielectric properties in transparent PLZT 8.3/70/30 ceramics at the diffused phase transition

Abstract The time evolution of dielectric properties after a temporary change of temperature and electric field is investigated. It is found, that below the temperature of ˛' maximum Tm the change of temperature and electric field creates an increase of dielectric permittivity followed by logarithmic decay when the change of these parameters is finished. At every temperature the dielectric properties are characterized by a unique ˛'(t) independent on previous thermal history. If the applied electric field is E< Ec, the state of polarization is not affected. The dependence on dielectric constant of storage time under field as well as field intensity is determined.

Modified PbSc&lt;sub&gt;1/2&lt;/sub&gt;Nb&lt;sub&gt;1/2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; Ferroelectric Ceramics

Raman Studies of Photorefractive Lithium Niobate Single Crystals

A study of Raman spectra of lithium niobate single crystals: stoichiometric, ostensibly pure congruent LiNbO3, and congruent LiNbO3 containing admixture of yttrium is reported. Raman bands observed in spectra excited by visible laser radiation are thoroughly compared to the same bands excited by infrared laser radiation. The broadening of Raman bands excited by radiation of shorter wavelengths is attributed to photo-refraction induced by visible radiation (514 nm) while being absent under infrared radiation (1064 nm). Attributing the effect of photo-refraction to radiation-induced structural changes in the illuminated part of the crystal lattice the authors interpret the observed broadening…

&lt;title&gt;Structual changes of the PLZT ceramics irradiated by high-current pulsed electron beam&lt;/title&gt;

First time comprehensive study of high-current pulsed electron irradiation effects on the structural, optical and dielectric properties of relaxor (Pb(1-x)Lax)(Zr0.65Ti0.35)1-x/4O3 ceramics with x = 4 and 9.75 at.% have been provided. The electron beam had the following parameters: energy E = 250 keV, current density I = 1000 A/cm2, pulse duration τ = 300 ns, beam density - 1015 electrons/cm2 per pulse. Infrared reflectivity spectra in the region of 100 ÷ 2000 cm-1 were obtained in virgin, irradiated by 1500 pulses. The reconstruction of perovskite ABO3 structure in irradiated samples has been studied by complex use of X-ray and neutron scattering and IR spectroscopy techniques revealing th…

Uniaxial Pressure Effects on the Dielectric Properties of the PLZT-x/65/35 (x = 9.75 and 10) Ceramics

The influence of uniaxial pressure (0-1000 bars) applied parallel to the ac electric field on the dielectric properties of PLZT-x/65/35 ceramics (x = 9.75 and 10) was investigated. The results show that the applied stress has a significant influence on the dielectric properties of PLZT ceramics. Applying uniaxial pressure leads to the reduction of the electric permittivity (ϵ) peak and the frequency dispersion. Moreover, the peak of ϵ becomes diffuse and shifts to a higher temperature with increasing pressure. The results show that applying uniaxial pressure induces similar effects as the increase in Ti−ion concentration in the PZT system. We interpreted our results based on the domain swit…

Dielectric investigation of sodium potassium niobate ceramic doped 7% of antimony

Abstract Electric properties of sodium potassium niobate ceramic doped antimony (Na0.5K0.5)(Nb0.93Sb0.07)O3 with sintering aid MnO2 (0.5 mol% MnO2) (KNNSbx + 0.5Mn) were investigated in a broad frequency (from 1 Hz to 54 GHz) and temperature (from 110 K to 800 K) ranges. The mean relaxation times calculated from the dielectric permittivity measurements fulfill Arrhenius relationship with dipole activation energy EA = 3409 K (EA/kB = 0.29 eV). The DC conductivity has been extracted from experimental results and the activation energy was calculated EA = 11733.78 K (EA/kB = 1.011 eV).

Sb Effect on Structural, Dielectric, and Ferroelectric Properties of Na0.5K0.5NbO3Ceramics

Lead-free Na0.5K0.5(Nb1-xSbx)O3 (0<x<0.05) ceramics were fabricated by the solid-state reaction method and materials with more than 95% densification were obtained. A microstructure study confirms that the ceramics are well sintered. All compositions show complete perovskite solid solutions. Structural, dielectric and ferroelectric investigations for these specimens were performed. X-ray measurements showed that all compositions have a single perovskite structure with orthorhombic symmetry. Dielectric study revealed that the ceramics obtained are normal ferroelectrics. However some signs of diffuse phase transition were observed. The transition temperatures and the maximum electric permitti…

Structure and dielectric properties of Na&lt;inf&gt;1/2&lt;/inf&gt;Bi&lt;inf&gt;1/2&lt;/inf&gt;TiO&lt;inf&gt;3&lt;/inf&gt;-BaTiO&lt;inf&gt;3&lt;/inf&gt; solid solutions

Dielectric properties, polarization and x-ray diffraction are studied for (1−x)Na 1/2 Bi 1/2 TiO 3 -xBaTiO 3 solid solutions in a concentration range above the morphotropic phase boundary. It is showed that all the studied compositions have tetragonal structure with maximal tetragonality slightly above the morphotropic phase boundary. Ferroelectric relaxor behavior is observed in a wide concentration range of BaTiO 3 . Stability of the relaxor state decreases with increasing BaTiO 3 concentration, but only for compositions with low Na 1/2 Bi 1/2 TiO 3 content the normal ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition, which is characteristic to pure BaTiO 3 , occurs. Mechanisms, which influence…

Influence of Uniaxial Pressure on Dielectric Properties of the PLZT-x/65/35 (x = 11 and 13) Ceramics

Uniaxial pressure (0–1000 bars) effects on the dielectric properties of the PLZT-x/65/35 ceramic samples (x = 11 and 13) samples was investigated. The obtained results reveal that the applied stress largely changes the dielectric properties of these ceramics. Applying uniaxial pressure leads to a reduction of the peak intensity of the electric permittivity and a change of the frequency dispersion. Besides with increasing the pressure the ϵ-peak shifts to a higher temperature. The results show that applying the uniaxial pressure induces similar effects as increasing the Ti−ion concentration in PZT system. These effects can be connected with the change in domain structure under the action of …

Dielectric, thermal and Raman spectroscopy studies of lead-free (Na0.5Bi0.5)1−xSrxTiO3 (x = 0, 0.04 and 0.06) ceramics

ABSTRACTLead-free (Na0.5Bi0.5)1−xSrxTiO3 (x = 0, 0.04 and 0.06) ceramics with relative densities above 97% were prepared by solid-state synthesis process. Their dielectric, thermal and Raman properties were studied. X-ray diffraction analysis shows perovskite structure with rhombohedral symmetry at room temperature. Sr doping of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT) results in an increase of the dielectric permittivity, diffusing of the permittivity maximum and its shift toward lower temperatures. The temperature of the rhombohedral–tetragonal phase transition indicated by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) peak and relaxational dielectric anomaly near the depolarization temperature are also shifte…

High Temperature Dielectric Properties of PMN‐PSN‐PZN Relaxors

Terahertz Spectroscopy of Ordered PbSc1/2Nb1/2O3Ceramics

Polar phonons in relaxor ferroelectric 0.2PSN-0.4PMN-0.4PZN

Relaxor ferroelectrics 0-2PbSc(1/2)Nb(1/2)O(3) - 0.4PbMg(1/3)Nb(2/3)O(3)-0.4PbZn(1/3)Nb(2/3)O(3) ceramics were studied by means of the Fourier transform infrared reflection and THz transmission spectroscopy in the temperature range of 20-500 K. On heating from low temperatures, the A(1) component of the strongly split TO1 mode softens towards the Burns temperature, but the softening ceases near 400 K, which could be a signature of polar cluster percolation temperature.

Phase State and Structure of Ferroelectric Ceramics under Irradiation

Influence of uniaxial pressure and aging on dielectric and ferroelectric properties of BaTiO3ceramics

The effect of uniaxial pressure (0–3000 bar) applied parallel to the AC electric field and aging on dielectric and ferroelectric behavior of BaTiO3 ceramics were investigated. Applying uniaxial pressure leads to a reduction of the peak intensity of the electric permittivity (e) of the polarization as well as of the dielectric hysteresis. The peak intensity of e becomes diffused and shifts to a higher temperatures with increasing the pressure. The electrostrictive coefficient Q 11 and differential permittivity were evaluated from the obtained data. We interpreted our results based on the hardening of the soft-mode and domain switching processes under the action of pressure. The aging effect …

Broadband dielectric spectroscopy of PSN ceramics

Abstract The complex dielectric permittivity of ordered and disordered PSN ceramics was measured in the frequency range from 20 Hz to 3 GHz. The anomaly of dielectric permittivity is clearly seen in the region of 115 °C for ordered PSN at all measured frequencies. Disordered PSN exhibits typical relaxor behaviour with a huge frequency dispersion below 125 °C. Calculated distribution of relaxation times shows noticeable influence of polar clusters to the total dielectric spectrum of disordered PSN below 80 °C with the longest relaxation times edge diverging according to the Vogel–Fulcher law. In the case of ordered PSN, two almost not overlapping peaks in the distribution of relaxation times…

Phase Transitions and Electrocaloric Effect in Ca-Modified Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3–SrTiO3–PbTiO3Solid Solutions

Dynamics of Polar Clusters in PMN Ceramics: Comparison with PMN Single Crystal

The dielectric permittivity of PMN ceramics was measured in the frequency range from 20 Hz to 37 GHz. From the frequency dependence of the real and imaginary parts of dielectric permittivity, the distribution of relaxation times f(τ) was calculated. The f(τ) function broadens significantly, and the second maximum appears below the 270 K temperature. The dielectric response and also relaxation time distribution of PMN ceramics was compared with the previous results of PMN single crystal. The results showed that dynamics of polar nano regions in PMN ceramics is suppressed due to the small size of grains in the ceramics.

Revision of the freezing concept in relaxor ferroelectrics: the case of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 solid solutions

Presence of a frequency-independent maximum and a frequency-dependent shoulder in temperature-frequency dependence of dielectric permittivity are characteristic features of NBT-based solid solution...

Thermodynamic properties at the phase transition of Pb(Zr, Sn, Ti)O3solid solutions

Abstract Field induced deformation and electrocaloric effect are investigated in the vicinity of phase transition at 163°C. The sharp increase of electrostriction below Tc is explained by the field induced ferroelectric to antiferroelectric phase transition. The antiferroelectric phase appears and remains stable below Tc in the absence of field. Elastic compliance and thermal expansion as functions of temperature are studied.

Processing and properties of nanocrystalline Pb(Sc0.5Ta0.5)O3, Pb(Sc0.5nb0.5)O3 and Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 films produced by RF-sputtering from ceramic targets

Abstract Nanocrystalline thin films of different relaxor materials, namely Pb(Sc0.5Ta0.5)O3 (PST), Pb(Sc0.5Nb0.5)O3(PSN), Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3(PMN) have been produced by RF-sputtering to investigate whether it will affect their dielectric properties if their grain size is reduced to the dimensions known from their nanodomains. The XRD shows that the amorphous film crystallizes in pyrochlore structure at lower temperatures and short times. Annealing at higher temperatures and far longer time intervals leads to an increasing amount of perovskite phase with a grain size in the nanometer range. These results including dielectric measurements will be presented and discussed.