Crystallographic shear planes as nonstoichiometry defects in lead zirconate

Abstract

The results obtained in the study of lead zirconate chosen as a convenient model perovskite oxide indicate that its non-stoichiometry is related primarily to extended defects—crystallographic shear planes—rather than to classical point defects. The presence of crystallographic shear defects is of importance in interpreting the properties of ferroelectric perovskite oxides.