Effect of donor dopants on the properties of flux grown PZN-PT single crystals

Rare-earth Nd-doped lead zinc niobate-lead titanate (Nd:PZN-PT) and W-doped lead zinc niobate-lead titanate (W:PZN-PT) single crystals have been grown by self-flux technique and their dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties have been investigated. Pure perovskite phases were observed, and lattice parameters were obtained by Rietveld refinement. Diffuse phase transition and frequency dispersive phenomena was observed in the dielectric peaks confirming the enhancement of relaxor behaviour for doped crystals. Variation of dielectric constant (epsilon), AC conductivity and piezoelectric charge coefficient (d(33)) as a result of doping is investigated in detail. From the hysteresis behaviour, it was evident that a simple domain switching mechanism was observed for doped crystals.

Automated summary

Rare-earth Nd-doped lead zinc niobate-lead titanate (Nd:PZN-PT) and W-doped lead zinc niobate-lead titanate (W:PZN-PT) single crystals were grown by self-flux technique, with pure perovskite phases observed. The doped crystals showed enhanced relaxor behavior, as evidenced by diffuse phase transitions and frequency dispersive phenomena in the dielectric peaks. Additionally, doping had a significant impact on the dielectric constant, AC conductivity, and piezoelectric properties of the crystals, with a simple domain switching mechanism observed in the hysteresis behavior.