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Structural heterogeneity and diffuse scattering in morphotropic lead zirconate-titanate single crystals
R G Burkovsky1, Yu A Bronwald, A V Filimonov
1St. Petersburg State Politekhnical University, St-Petersburg, Russia. rg.burkovsky@mail.ioffe.ru
Physical Review Letters
|September 26, 2012
Summary
Lead zirconate-titanate (PZT) near its morphotropic phase boundary exhibits structural inhomogeneity. This is evidenced by anisotropic quasielastic diffuse scattering, indicating phase coexistence and lattice deformations.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Solid State Physics
- Crystallography
Background:
- Lead zirconate-titanate (PZT) is a key ferroelectric material with a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) crucial for device applications.
- Understanding the structural properties of PZT near the MPB is essential for optimizing its piezoelectric and dielectric performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural characteristics of PZT single crystals at the morphotropic phase boundary.
- To elucidate the nature of structural inhomogeneity in PZT near the MPB using advanced scattering techniques.
Main Methods:
- Complementary diffuse and inelastic synchrotron x-ray scattering measurements were performed on PZT single crystals (x=0.475).
- Experiments were conducted across a temperature range including room temperature up to 400 K and above.
- Analysis involved modeling quasielastic diffuse scattering patterns to understand lattice dynamics and phase coexistence.
Main Results:
- A highly anisotropic quasielastic diffuse scattering was observed in PZT crystals between 293 K and 400 K.
- This scattering phenomenon disappeared above 400 K, indicating a temperature-dependent structural transition.
- The observed scattering features were successfully reproduced by a model of inhomogeneous lattice deformations.
Conclusions:
- The study provides strong evidence for structural inhomogeneity in PZT at its morphotropic phase boundary.
- The presence of coexisting tetragonal and rhombohedral/monoclinic phases contributes to lattice deformations.
- This structural complexity is fundamental to the unique properties of PZT near the MPB.
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