Fractal Clusters in Relaxor PLZT Ceramics: Evolution in Electric Field

Abstract

Abstract Fractal approach was used for the description of the evolution of heterophase structure (containing the polar nanoregions in nonpolar matrix) during electric field polarization in the temperature region of diffused phase transition in relaxor ferroelectric PLZT 8/65/35 ceramics. The time and temperature dependence of the fractal correlation length of polar clusters during polarization/switching and spontaneous backswitching was derived from the elastic light scattering data recorded in wide temperature range. We suggested a scenario of the evolution of heterophase and nanodomain structures in relaxors during cooling/heating and under the action of electric field pulses. Keywords: Ferroelectrics relaxors light scattering fractal correlation length diffused phase transition nanodomains switching PLZT