This paper develops a macroscopic polarization switching model which characterizes the ferroelastic switching mechanisms inherent to lead zirconate-titanate (PZT) in a manner suitable for subsequent transducer and control design. We construct Helmholtz and Gibbs energy relations at the lattice level which quantify the internal and electrostatic energy associated with 90 and 180 dipole orientati...

Although lead-free piezoelectric ceramics have been extensively studied, many problems must still be overcome before they are suitable for practical use. One of the main problems is fabricating a multilayer structure, and one solution attracting growing interest is the use of lead-free multilayer piezoelectric ceramics. The paper reviews work that has been done by the authors on lead-free alkal...

Ferroelectric domain patterning with an electron beam is demonstrated. Polarization of lead zirconate titanate thin films is shown to be reoriented in both positive and negative directions using piezoresponse force and scanning surface potential microscopy. Reorientation of the ferroelectric domains is a response to the electric field generated by an imbalance of electron emission and trapping ...

Two materials were prepared with composition PbMg0.3Nb0.6Zr0.1O3 (PMNZ/10) and PbMg0.32Nb0.65Zr0.03O3 (PMNZ/3). Slight modifications in lead oxide content of these materials were made to study its influence on the sintering properties. The stoichiometric PMNZ/3 gave the best results. It has a sintering temperature as low as 900°C and a relative dielectric constant of 10 000 at room temperature.