Unexpected crystal and domain structures and properties in compositionally graded PbZr(1-x)Ti(x)O3 thin films.

Mangalam, R V K; Karthik, J; Damodaran, Anoop R; Agar, Joshua C; Martin, Lane W · Adv Mater · 2013

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Synthesis of compositionally graded versions of PbZr(1-x)Ti(x)O3 thin films results in unprecedented strains (as large as ≈4.5 × 10(5) m(-1)) and correspondingly unexpected crystal structures, ferroelectric domain structures, and properties. This includes the observation of built-in electric fields in films as large as 200 kV/cm. Compositional and strain gradients could represent a new direction of strain-control of materials.