Phenomenon of multiple field-induced phase transition in PLZST antiferroelectric ceramics

The multiple field-induced phase transition in 4 at. % La modified Pb(Zr, Sn, Ti)O₃ family with temperature from - 40°C to 45°C in reported. Two electric field-induced transitions from a met astable antiferroelectric phase to two ferroelectric phases are observed is polarization at the applied field of 4 MV/m. The critical field of phase transition between two ferroelectric phases is not larger than 2.5 MV/m, about ten to twenty percent of that ever found in PZT based ceramics. Lattice structure is shown to be orthorhombic by X-ray diffraction. Dielectric investigation reveals a relaxor-like ferroelectric behavior. Temperature-electric field phase diagram is also presented. An appreciate kind of materials is provided to investigate multiple field-induced phase transition with PZT-based ceramics.