Multipurpose X-Ray Stage and Its Application for In Situ Poling Studies

A 3D-printable, ARDUINO-based multipurpose X-ray stage of compact dimensions enabling in situ electric field and temperature-dependent measurements is put into practice and tested here. It can be routinely applied in combination with a technique of structural characterization of materials. Using high-performance X-ray laboratory equipment, two investigations were conducted to illustrate the device's performance. The lattice characteristics and microstructure evolution of piezoelectric ceramics of barium titanate, BaTiO₃ (BT), and barium calcium zirconate titanate, with compositions of (Ba_0.92Ca_0.08) (Ti_0.95Zr_0.05)O₃ (BC8TZ5), were studied as a function of the applied electric field and temperature. The X-ray stage is amenable as an off-the-shelf device for a diffraction line in a synchrotron. It provides valuable information for poling piezoceramics and subsequent optimization of their performance.