Neutron irradiation effects on sol-gel PZT thin films

Abstract Preferentially (100) oriented PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3 (PZT) sol-gel films spin cited on Si/TiO2/Pt substrates are studied. Si/TiO2/Pt/PZT/Au heterostructures exposed to high fluence neutron irradiation (2 × 1018 n/cm2, average energy >0.1 MeV; accompanied by gamma rays dose 7.1 × 109 rad, energy ∼ 1 MeV; Tirrad.<60°C) are examined. Recovering of properties is observed at post-irradiation isochronal annealing to elevated temperatures. Dielectric permittivity as well as tg6 decrease after neutron irradiation. The most pronounced radiation-induced polarization change exhibited by the shape of hysteresis loops is caused by an internal bias field.