Ferroelectrics · 1998 · 31 citations · 13 references
Crystal StructureOptical MaterialsEngineeringFerroelectric Relaxor PbRelaxor MechanismLong-range OrderMultiferroicsFerroelectric ApplicationSuperconductivityQuantum MaterialsSymmetry LoweringMaterials SciencePhysicsCrystal MaterialOptical StudiesCrystallographySolid-state PhysicCondensed Matter PhysicsApplied PhysicsFerroelectric MaterialsFunctional Materials
Abstract In order to elucidate the relaxor mechanism, in particular of the relaxor with the long-range order, we analysed crystal structure of Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3/9%PbTiO3 by the neutron powder diffraction method and determined the lattice constants and birefringence in the vicinity of the ferroelectric phase transition point Tc . It was found that the precursor region exists in the temperature region of 80°C above Tc , where the lattice constants deviated from the normal thermal expansion behavior and birefringence did not vanish. It is probable that the polar micro-clusters develop in this precursor region, as in Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3. The symmetry lowering of the ferroelectric phase was observed as a result of the hetero-phase coexistence.
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