Unexpected Crystal and Domain Structures and Properties in Compositionally Graded PbZr_1‐<i>x</i>Ti_<i>x</i>O₃ Thin Films

Abstract

Synthesis of compositionally graded versions of PbZr(1-x)Ti(x)O3 thin films results in unprecedented strains (as large as ≈4.5 × 10(5) m(-1)) and correspondingly unexpected crystal structures, ferroelectric domain structures, and properties. This includes the observation of built-in electric fields in films as large as 200 kV/cm. Compositional and strain gradients could represent a new direction of strain-control of materials.