Nanoscale Domain Structure in Relaxor PLZT x/65/35 Ceramics

We present the experimental study of the geometry of the nanoscale domain structure in classical lead zirconate-titanate relaxor ceramics (Pb1 − x La x )(Zr0.65Ti0.35)O3 (PLZT) with La concentration from 5 to 10%. The analysis of the switching current data measured in rectangular pulses indicates the existence of random three-dimensional maze-type domain structure. High-resolution domain visualization performed using Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM) reveals nanoscale domain patterns. The domain structures existing in PLZT ceramics after zero-field-cooling represent the nanoscale quasi-regular maze (“finger-print”). Statistical and fractal analysis of PFM images was performed for quantitative characterization of the nano-domain structures for different compositions.

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