Simple macroscopic model of pyroelectric phenomenon in TGS single crystals in ferroelectric phase

A simple mathematical model of pyroelectric phenomena, for ideal ferroelectrics, is presented. Material constants for triglycine sulphate (TGS) are used to verify the model. The results of simulations were compared with the temperature characteristics of the pyroelectric coefficient measured for a TGS ferroelectric sample. Single crystal growth and preparation of samples and experimental procedure are also presented. The relatively good conformity of the model calculations with the measurements allow us to expect further useful application of the model in future work on ferroelectric single crystals.     

电场中三层铁电超晶格的物理性质研究

基于微分算符技术的相关有效场理论研究用伊辛模型描述的铁电三层超晶格的物理性质。讨论了电场对电极矩、电极化率、热电系数等物理性质的影响。     

Observation of the ferroelectric phase transition in Pb5Ge3O11 by the chemical potential changes

We observed the transition from the ferroelectric (FE) to paraelectric (PE) phase in the semiconducting, ferroelectric Pb₅Ge₃O₁₁ single crystal with the use of the contact electrode method. To this purpose a thin, metallic layer was placed onto the Pb₅Ge₃O₁₁ crystal surface, forming the contact electrode. At opposite ends of the contact electrode, silver wires were glued and a voltage was applied to the contact electrode in such a way that the electric current could flow only through the attached electrode. The electric resistance R(T) of the electrode was measured as a function of temperature. Two series of measurements were performed. In one of them the ferroelectric c-axis of the investigated crystal was perpendicular to the contact electrode. In the second one the c-axis was parallel to the attached electrode. We used gold as the contact electrode material. The anomaly in the R(T) in a form of a kink at T _kink?=?452?K was found for both c-axis orientations. The measured value of T _kink, appearing in the temperature dependence of contact electrode resistance, corresponds exactly to the phase transition temperature T _C from the FE to PE phase of the investigated Pb₅Ge₃O₁₁ material. This result demonstrates that the contact electrode method, primarily proposed exclusively to find critical temperatures of metallic samples, also works well in the case of ferroelectric and semiconducting materials like Pb₅Ge₃O₁₁. We ascribe the effect of the resistance kink in the temperature dependence of the contact electrode R(T) to thermal excitations of the electrons with different rates below and above T _C due to different electronic activation energies in the FE and PE phases of the investigated Pb₅Ge₃O₁₁ crystal. It, however, means that the phase transition in the electronic subsystem of the Pb₅Ge₃O₁₁ transfers into the electron gas of the contact electrode via the chemical potential relation µ _sample?=?µ _electrode due to the contact between the sample and the electrode. The magnitude of the kink, observed in the R(T) dependence, was higher on heating than on cooling. The additional measurement of the thermally stimulated current (TSC) was carried out on the non-polarised Pb₅Ge₃O₁₁ sample. In this series of measurements, the sample was covered with gold layers sputtered on the two opposite surfaces of the crystal. The TSC anomaly occurred, related to the residual pyroelectric effect, several degrees below the Curie temperature, T _C, and does not disturb the detection of the critical point with the use of the contact electrode method.     

BST solid solutions, temperature evolution of the ferroelectric transitions

Solid solutions Ba_1 − xSr_xTiO₃ (BST) are of high technological importance, particularly in microwave domain. Barium titanate has “naturally” three transitions, between four stable ferroelectric phases: (C) cubic, (T) tetragonal, (O) orthorhombic, (R) rhombohedral. Jaffe et al. [B. Jaffe, W.R. Cook, H. Jaffe, Piezoelectric Ceramics, Academic Press, 1971] has given the dependence of the transition temperatures up to 30% of Sr content. We have extrapolated these temperatures and we have found that some phases might disappear at higher Sr concentrations. A family of solid solutions with x = 25, 50, 75, 90% was prepared by standard solid-state reaction and sintered at 1230 and 1260 °C, respectively. The permitivities and the dielectric losses were measured with a self-acting bridge (1 kHz), on a large temperature range (±200 °C). The composition x = 25% shows three peak values of permittivity as expected, while the composition x = 50%, only two peak values, corresponding to phase transitions cubic-tetragonal-rhombohedral, phase orthorhombic being excluded. Compositions with x ≥ 63%, Sr shows only one peak value corresponding to a genuine transition cubic-rhombohedral. The cubic transition to several lower phases shows almost a linear decrease of the Curie point with the increase of Sr fraction. For Sr concentration x ≥ 80%, the Curie point appears to fall more rapidly than linear. To our best knowledge, there is for the first time, this effect is reported.     

Nanoembossing and piezoelectricity of ferroelectric Pb(Zr0.3,Ti0.7)O3 nanowire arrays

Arrays of ferroelectric PZT nanowires with lateral size down to 200 nm were fabricated by nanoembossing technology. Structural characterization of the embossed PZT film was studied by Raman spectroscopy. Multidomain configurations of a single nanowire have been explored by vertical mode piezoresponse force microscopy (VPFM). The local electric polarization of the individual ferroelectric nanowire has also been investigated. Excellent ferroelectric and piezoelectric characteristics observed in the embossed PZT nanowires suggest nanoembossing technique proposed in this work is promising to become a useful method for ferroelectric nanowires fabrication.     

Enhancing electrical properties of high-Curie temperature piezoelectric ceramics BNT-PZT and their mechanism

Due to the urgent demands for high-Curie temperature (T_C/T_m) piezoelectric materials in geothermal exploration, aerospace and related fields, high-T_C/T_m ferroelectrics have attracted booming research attention. The high-T_m 0.25Bi(Ni_1/2Ti_1/2)O₃-0.75 Pb(Zr_1/2Ti_1/2)O₃ (0.25BNT-0.75PZT) ceramics were prepared by solid-state sintering method and via partial oxalate route, where the 0.25BNT-0.75PZT ceramics prepared via the partial oxalate route exhibit better electrical properties (T_m = 232 °C (10 kHz), ε_m = 10963, P_r = 26.14 μC/cm², E_c = 15.61 kV/cm, d₃₃ = 521 pC/N, d₃₃* = 553.3 pm/V, K_p = 47.1%, and Q_m = 21.6). The nano-scale domain configuration of the ceramics was revealed by piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM), and the relationship between the micro-structure and macro-electrical properties was analyzed. The ferroelectric phase transition mechanism was studied by temperature dependent Raman spectroscopy. The reduction of energy barrier of lattice distortion and polarization deflection is caused by nanometer-sized domain structure, low symmetric polar nano-regions and/or coexistence of multi-ferroelectric phases, contributing to the excellent electrical properties of the 0.25BNT-0.75PZT ceramics prepared via the partial oxalate route.     

Observation of relaxation modes in room temperature ferroelectric liquid crystal mixtures

The dielectric measurements in SmC* and SmA phases of a room temperature ferroelectric liquid crystal mixture FLC-6980 in the cells of different thickness in planer alignment have been carried out in the frequency range 100 Hz to 1 MHz. A relaxation mode (called NRM) whose dielectric increment is less than the Goldstone mode has been observed in the SmC* phase. This mode appears due to the surface effect. Goldstone mode and the soft mode was observable in the vicinity of SmC*-SmA transition temperature (T _C*A). The dielectric parameters of the Goldstone mode, new mode and the soft mode have been studied as a function of frequency and temperature. The calculated values for f_NRM, δε^NRM and distribution parameter α_NRM are found to be 325 kHz, 6 and 0.156 for 5μm thick planer cell at 37°C. It is seen that in the vicinity of theT _C*A, soft mode obeys the Curie-Weiss law given by mean field theory. The results have been compared with materials of large spontaneous polarization.     

Effect of sintering temperature on the structural, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of tungsten substituted SBT ceramics

Structural, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of tungsten (W) substituted SrBi₂(Ta_1−xW_x)₂O₉ (SBTW) [x=0.0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1 and 0.2] have been studied as a function of sintering temperature (1100-1250 °C). X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the single-phase layered perovskite structure formation up to x=0.05 at all sintering temperatures. The present study reveals an optimum sintering temperature of 1200 °C for the best properties of SBTW samples. Maximum T_c of ∼390 °C is observed for x=0.20 sample sintered at 1200 °C. Peak-dielectric constant (ε_r) increases from ∼270 to ∼700 on increasing x from 0.0 to 0.20 at 1200 °C sintering temperature. DC conductivity of the SBTW samples is nearly two to three orders lower than that of the pristine sample. Remnant polarization (P_r) increases with the W content up to x≤0.075. A maximum 2P_r (∼25 μC/cm²) is obtained with x=0.075 sample sintered at 1200 °C. The observed behavior is explained in terms of improved microstructural features, contribution from the oxygen and cationic vacancies in SBTW. Such tungsten substituted samples sintered at 1200 °C exhibiting enhanced dielectric and ferroelectric properties should be useful for memory applications.     

热释电红外探测器在安全防护系统中的应用研究

利用人体发出的红外线,通过热释电红外传感器的接收和放大,形成具有一定电压幅度的控制信号,用这一控制信号去触发语音录放电路工作,就可制成具有自动控制功能的热释电红外探测语音录放系统。电路采用最新热释电红外探测模块与语音录放模块设计,当有人出现在热释电红外探测模块的探测范围时,热释电红外传感器首先将接收到的红外辐射能转换成电能信号,再经内部电路放大、比较处理后输出控制信号,触发语音录放模块工作,播放事先录制好的语音内容,提醒人们注意。该系统电路简洁、成本低、抗干扰能力强、耐低温、免调试、工作稳定和使用方便。适宜于安装在变电所、高压开关柜和电力变压器等危及人身安全的处所使用。     

Thermodynamic,optical and switching parameters of a ferroelectric liquid crystalline material having SmA*-SmC*-SmBh* phase sequence

Thermodynamic and electro-optical characterization of a ferroelectric liquid crystalline material, namely ((S) (+) 4-(1-methylheptyloxy) phenyl 4′-octyloxybiphenyl-4-carboxylate) possessing paraelectric SmA*, ferroelectric SmC*, hexatic SmB_h* and SmI* phases has been carried out. Phase identification has been done by optical and thermodynamic studies. Switching parameters viz. spontaneous polarization, switching time and rotational viscosity have been determined. The spontaneous polarization has been found to increase with decreasing temperature in SmC* phase. The switching time is found of the order of few milliseconds.     

The effect of ferroelectric polarization on the interaction of water and methanol with the surface of LiNbO3(0 0 0 1)

Water and methanol temperature programmed desorption (TPD) measurements were performed on the positive (c⁺) and negative (c⁻) surfaces of poled ferroelectric lithium niobate (LiNbO₃) single crystals. The results indicate that the molecule-surface interactions are both coverage and polarization-dependent. From a comparison of the TPD spectra for the positive and negative surfaces, it is shown that the desorption temperatures of water and methanol are consistently lower on the negative surface by 15 K and 20 K, respectively. The TPD spectra were simulated using the Polanyi-Wigner equation with a coverage-dependent energy term. These calculations show that the polarization dependence of the desorption temperature is due to a difference in the zero-coverage desorption energies on the two surfaces equal to a few kJ per mole. The mechanism for the polarization effect is explored with in situ pyroelectric voltage measurements, which indicate that a surface voltage of ±2 mV develops in the LiNbO₃(0 0 0 1) samples during TPD measurements. The magnitude of the pyroelectric-induced surface charge is heating rate dependent.     

The effect of annealing temperature on the morphology and piezoelectric characteristics of BaTiO3 nanofibers and domain switching under different temperatures

Effects of annealing temperature (600–750 °C) on crystalline structure, the morphology and piezoresponse hysteresis loops of BaTiO₃ nanofibers prepared by electrospinning are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electron microscope and piezoresponse force microscope. When the annealing temperature is 700 °C, the nanofibers become smoother and have a diameter of 100–300 nm. Meanwhile the typical butterfly-shaped amplitude loop and 180°phase change represents the best ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties at 700 °C. So the 700 °C was found to be optimum for good piezoelectric characteristics at annealing temperature of 600 °C–750 °C. In order to give more clear evolution of domain states at different external fields, the three dimensional topographic and phase images of the nanofiber at different temperatures are observed by piezoresponse force microscope. The 90° domain switching is observed during heating from room temperature to 125 °C and the domain switching tends to be stable when the temperature exceeds a critical value. The thermal stress due to the high temperatures is responsible for switching mechanism from the perspective of equilibrium state free energy. This work suggests that the temperature variation should be considered while designing the ferroelectric devices based on one dimensional material.     

Changes in ferroelectric properties of lead indium niobate-lead titanate ceramics under compressive stress applied perpendicular to an electric field

The influences of perpendicular compressive stress on the ferroelectric properties of (1−x)Pb(In_1/2Nb_1/2)O₃-xPbTiO₃ (x=0.1-0.4) ceramics were investigated in this study. In general, with increasing compressive stress the coercive field and the dissipation energy of the ceramics were seen to increase. The stress-induced changes in the polarization, however, depended significantly on ceramic compositions. The observations were mainly interpreted in terms of competing influence of the domain switching through non-180° domain walls, clamping of domain walls, and the stress-induced decrease in the switchable part of spontaneous polarization.     

热释电红外传感器在无线遥控报警系统中的应用

热释电红外探测无线遥控报警系统由热释电红外探测模块、无线电收/发射模块、数字编/译码集成电路和语音录放模块组成。当人体进入监视区时,红外传感器首先将接收到的红外辐射能转换成电能信号,再经内部电路放大处理,输出控制信号启动发射系统工作,经编码脉冲调制后, 由发射模块向空间辐射无线电遥控编码信号;接收机收到信号后,便进行解调、放大、整形,从解码器输出编码脉冲,然后触发语音录放系统,播放事先录制好的警示语,提醒值班人员。该系统主要采用了RDP-18热释电红外探测模块,具有从信号接收至控制输出的全部功能。整体装置为模块化结构,具有频率稳定、工作可靠、免调试等特点,遥控距离1 000 m,可适用于多种场合的需要。     

Response of colloidal liquids containing magnetic holes of different volume densities to magnetic field characterized by transmission measurement

This paper systematically investigates the response of colloidal liquids containing magnetic holes of different volume densities to magnetic field by conventional transmission measurements. It finds that the enhancement in the transmission of such a colloidal liquid under a magnetic field exhibits a strong dependence on the volume density of magnetic holes. A linear increase in the maximum enhancement factor is observed when the volume density of magnetic holes is below a critical level at which a maximum enhancement factor of ～150 is achieved in the near infrared region. Once the volume density of magnetic holes exceeds the critical level, a sharp drop of the maximum enhancement factor to ～2 is observed. After that, the maximum enhancement factor increases gradually till a large volume density of ～9%. By monitoring the arrangement of magnetic holes under a magnetic field, it reveals that the colloidal liquids can be classified into three different phases, i.e., the gas-like, liquid-like and solid-like phases, depending on the volume density of magnetic holes. The response behaviour of colloidal liquids to magnetic field is determined by the interaction between magnetic holes which is governed mainly by their volume density. A phase transition, which is manifested in the dramatic reduction in the maximum enhancement factor, is clearly observed between the liquid-like and solid-like phases. The optical switching operations for colloidal liquids in different phases are compared and the underlying physical mechanisms are discussed.     

Using models with long-term persistence to interpret the rapid increase of Earth’s temperature

Statistical processes with long-term persistence (LTP) offer a promising approach to modeling the natural dynamics of Earth’s temperature. One such process, the family of 1/f-noises, is used here to assess the plausibility of a natural origin for recent global warming. Following earlier studies, a model of natural variability with LTP is parameterized via paleoclimate reconstructions. The method developed here resolves a number of limitations in existing studies, primarily the problem of inaccuracies in estimating the spectral exponent of LTP. The output of the model is compared with the observed rate of temperature rise (0.61 ^°C/century between 1850 and 2007 for Northern hemispheric land air temperatures). We find that rates comparable with the observed global warming are very rarely generated by the model of natural variability (the probability is less than 2.3×10⁻⁴). Thus, natural agencies are not a plausible explanation for the observed global warming unless all the paleoclimate reconstructions through which the model is parameterized are underestimating natural variance by a factor of at least four.     

Measurements of sensitivity to hydrostatic pressure and temperature in highly birefringent photonic crystal fibers

We report on experimental studies of polarimetric sensitivity to hydrostatic pressure and temperature in two highly birefringent index guided photonic crystal fibers, in which birefringence is induced by one row of the cladding holes with diameters smaller than the other cladding holes. The sensitivity measurements were carried out in the spectral range from 0.6 μm to 1.6 μm. Our results show that absolute value of the polarimetric sensitivity to hydrostatic pressure can reach 23 rad/MPa × m, which is almost one order of magnitude higher than in conventional fibers with elliptical core. Simultaneously, polarimetric sensitivity to temperature is at least two orders of magnitude lower than in conventional highly birefringent fibers. Moreover, we proved experimentally that one of the investigated fibers is completely insensitive to temperature at certain wavelength.     

Response of surface monolayer to electric field of approaching gas-phase molecule near temperature of orientational phase transition

Consideration is given to an orientationally structured surface monolayer near the temperature of the orientational phase transition in the electric field of a gas-phase molecule approaching the surface. As shown, under certain conditions this field gives rise to a cluster, with its radius nonmonotonically depending on the distance between the gas-phase molecule and the surface.     

A study of energy transfer phenomenon leading to photon up-conversion in Ho3+:Yb3+:CaF2 crystalline powders and its temperature sensing properties

When Ho³⁺:Yb³⁺:CaF₂ crystalline powders prepared by combustion synthesis were exposed to near-infrared (λ ～ 975 nm) radiation, intense photon up-conversion (UC) was observed at the visible with emission bands peaked at ～ 545, ～650 and ～750 nm identified as 4f-4f transitions from higher levels (⁵F₄, ⁵S₂) and ⁵F₅ to lower levels ⁵I₈ and ⁵I₇ of Ho³⁺. The emission bands at the green and red, in particular, have been demonstrated to be useful for temperature sensing based on luminescence intensity ratio technique. However, no model is available in literature to explain the change of the electronic populations of states (⁵F₄, ⁵S₂) and ⁵F₅ with temperature. The UC phenomenon was studied from both theoretical and experimental points of view. A rate equation model with temperature dependent parameters for Ho³⁺ and Yb³⁺ electronic populations considering a high sensitization of Ho³⁺ ions by Yb³⁺ ions was used. High Yb³⁺ → Ho³⁺ energy transfer efficiency was found (～88% at room temperature). The change with temperature predicted by the model for the luminescence intensity ratio of the UC green and red emission lines agrees well with the experimental data.     

An XPS study and electrical properties of Pb1.1Zr0.53Ti0.47O3/PbO/Si (MFIS) structures according to the substrate temperature of the PbO buffer layer

PbO and PZT thin films were deposited on the p-type (1 0 0) Si substrate by the rf magnetron sputtering method with PbO and Pb_1.1Zr_0.53Ti_0.47O₃ targets for the application of the metal-ferroelectric-insulator-semiconductor (MFIS) structure. The MFIS structures with the PbO buffer layer show the good electric properties including a high memory window and a low leakage current density. The maximum value of the memory window is 2.0 V under the applied voltage of 9 V for the Pt/PZT (200 nm, 400 °C)/PbO (80 nm)/Si structures with the PbO buffer layer deposited at the substrate temperature of 300 °C. From the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results, we could confirm that the substrate temperature of PbO affects the chemical states of the interface between the PbO buffer layer and Si substrate, which results in the inter-diffusion of Pb and the formation of the intermediate phases (PbSiO₃). And the existence of the undesired SiO₂ layer, which is the low dielectric layer, was confirmed at the surface region of the Si substrate by the XPS depth profile analysis.