A random field theory based model for ferroelectric relaxors

Abstract

A model for ferroelectric relaxors such as PMN, PSN and PLZT giving a quantitative description of their properties and phase diagrams is proposed within the framework of the random field theory. In this model, the relaxors are considered as systems with random sites and orientations of electric dipoles, lattice vacancies, antisite ions and other defects as well as impurities embedded into the paraelectric phase, which is proposed to be the `host' lattice for these materials.