Anisotropic dielectric properties of PbYb1/2Ta1/2O3 single crystals

PbYb_1/2Ta_1/2O₃ single crystals were obtained for the first time. They were grown by the flux method. The PbOPbF₂B₂O₃ system was used as a solvent. Dielectric investigations were carried out in 1 0 0_c, 1 1 0_c and 1 1 1_c pseudocubic directions. These studies pointed to anisotropy of dielectric properties. Frequency-independent ε′(T) and ε″(T) maxima related to the antiferroelectric–paraelectric (AFE—PE) phase transition are observed for all directions at 562 K. The frequency-dependent ε′(T) and ε″(T) maxima near 400 K related to the ferroelectric (FE)–AFE phase transition are observed only in 1 1 1_c direction. The hysteresis loops were observed in this direction only. These results point that ferroelectric relaxor properties appear only in 1 1 1_c direction. We propose to consider the ferroelectric phase as ferrielectric one.     

First-principles calculations of the dielectric and vibrational properties of ferroelectric and paraelectric BaAl2O4

First-principles calculations have been conducted to study the structural, dielectric, and vibrational properties of ferroelectric and paraelectric BaAl₂O₄. High-frequency and static dielectric constants, and phonon frequencies at the Brillouin zone center are reported. Both BaAl₂O₄ polymorphs are promising infrared-transparent materials due to their low electronic dielectric constants. The ferroelectric and paraelectric BaAl₂O₄ have much smaller permittivity compared to the classical ferroelectric materials. From an atomic nanostructure standpoint, the abnormally low permittivity of BaAl₂O₄ polymorphs is mainly related to low coordination numbers of Ba (9) and Al (4).     

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.     

Effect of Dichroic dye on dielectric properties of ferroelectric liquid crystals: A comparative study

In order to study the effect of mixing dye molecules in ferroelectric liquid crystals, we have investigated two ferroelectric liquid crystal samples CS1016 and Felix 17/000 along with their mixture with Anthraquinone dye. The measurements have been made in the frequency range 100 Hz-10 MHz, with the variation of temperature from 30 to 90 °C. The dielectric behaviour of dye mixed CS1016 is quite different from that of Felix 17/000. This different behaviour has been explained by determining other parameters like distribution parameter, dielectric strength and relaxation frequency, etc. The different nature shown by two different samples has also been explained by electro-optical measurements.     

Impedance and dielectric studies of ferroelectric SrBi2Nb2O9 ceramics

This paper reports the dielectric and impedance characteristics of ferroelectric SrBi₂Nb₂O₉ (SBN) ceramics in the 100 Hz-1 MHz frequency range at various temperatures (300-823 K). A strong low frequency dielectric dispersion (LFDD) associated with an impedance relaxation has been found to exist in these ceramics in the temperature range 573-823 K. The Z″ of the AC complex impedance showed two distinct slopes in the frequency range 100 Hz-1 MHz suggesting the existence of two dispersion mechanisms. This non-ideal behavior has been explained on the basis of the expression, Z*=R₀/(1+(iω/ω₁)^m+(iω/ω₂)ⁿ) [J. Phys. Chem. Solids 53 (1992) 1] where ω₁ and ω₂ characterize the lattice response and the charge carrier behavior, respectively. The exponents m and n were obtained from the curve fitting. The exponent n was found to exhibit a minimum at the Curie temperature, T_c (723 K) whereas the m was temperature independent.     

Synthesis modified structural and dielectric properties of semiconducting zinc ferrospinels

The influence of preparation techniques on structural and dielectric properties of ZnCr_xFe_1−xO₄ (x=0, 0.1 abbreviated as Z and ZC) ferrite nano-particles synthesized using chemical co-precipitation (CCP), sol-gel (SG) and solid state reaction (SS) techniques is discussed. XRD profiles are used to confirm the single phase spinel ferrite formation. TEM images indicate the change in size and shape of particles on changing either the composition or the synthesis methodology. The TEM micrograph of samples obtained through CCP shows uniform particle size formation compared to those obtained through SG and SS. Sample prepared through CCP possess porosity >70% making these materials suitable for sensing applications. The dielectric loss, dielectric constant and ac conductivity are analyzed as a function of frequency, temperature and composition using impedance spectroscopy. A universal dielectric behavior has been predicted through temperature and frequency variations of different parameters. Dielectric constant is found to possess highest value for sample synthesized through SG which marks the possibility of using the SG derived ferrospinels as microwave device components.     

Electronic,dielectric and mechanical properties of MoS2/SiC hybrid bilayer: A first principle study

The electronic, mechanical and dielectric properties of lateral MoS₂/SiC heterobilayer are investigated using first principles calculations. Among various stacking conformations, the energetically favorable stackings namely AA₂ and AB′₁ have been considered in the present study. The band gap of the heterobilayer shows reduction as compared to constituent monolayers which also remains stacking dependent. The electronic band-gap is further tunable by applying mechanical strain and perpendicular electric field that rendered heterostructures from semiconductor to metal at critical value of applied strain/field. The stacking of heterobilayer strongly influence its mechanical properties e.g. ultimate tensile strength of considered two favorable stacking differ by more than 50%; the ultimate tensile strain of 17% and 21% respectively has been calculated for two different stackings. The static dielectric constant also shows tunability on heterostructuring the constituent monolayers as well as applying strain and field. These tunable properties of MoS₂/SiC may be useful for the device applications at nanoscale.     

Effects of yttrium substitution on structural and electrical properties of barium zirconate titanate ferroelectric ceramics

In the present study, structural, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of Ba_1?3x/2Y_x Zr_0.025Ti_0.975O₃ ferroelectric ceramics have been investigated. The compound was synthesized using solid state reaction technique. The effect of yttrium substitution on structural, dielectric and ferroelectric properties was studied using X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), LCR meter and P–E loops. Phase analysis shows the formation of secondary phase YTi₂O₆ for Y ≥ 2.5 mol% substitution. The microstructural investigation shows that Y substitution significantly reduces the grain size. An increase in Y content up to 2.5 mol% increases the Curie temperature (T_c) initially but decreases subsequently. The maximum dielectric constant at T_c has been observed for 2 mol% Y substitution and with further increase in Y content the dielectric constant decreases considerably. The solubility limit is found to be 2.5 mol% of Y and after that some of the yttrium atoms enter B-sites and leading to the formation of the secondary phase. The P–E loop studies show that there is an increase in the coercive field with increasing Y content.     

Structural and dielectric properties of phosphorous-doped PLZT ceramics

In the present work we have reported the unique effects of P₂O₅-doped PLZT ceramics with composition (Pb_0.92La_0.08)(Zr_0.65Ti_0.35)O₃ +x wt% of P₂O₅ (wherex = 1, 3 and 5) prepared chemically by co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction studies suggest that the prepared compound was very fine (10–25 nm), homogeneous and of rhombohedral symmetry. The apparent density of samples decreased with the P⁵⁺ additions. Studies of dielectric constant and dielectric loss as a function of frequency (10–1000 kHz) and temperature suggest that the compound undergoes diffuse type of phase transition without any sign of relaxor behaviour. With increasingx, dielectric constant was found to decrease appreciably, whereas Curie temperature (T_C) was found to increase     

The effects of vacancies in oxygen sites on physical properties of the lanthanum manganites

Abstract

The non-stoichiometric solution Ln_1?xSr_xMnO_3-δ□_δ was prepared by the classic ceramic method. The physical properties as crystallographic, magnetic and electrical properties were studied. A structural phase transition from rhombohedral to orthorhombic was observed at a concentration of Mn⁴⁺ between 10% and 15% per Mn atom in the unit formula. The magnetic properties are very sensitive to the presence of vacancies at the oxygen sites. The non-stoichiometric, samples change from metallic to insulating behaviour depending on their vacancy concentration. In the semiconductor phase, the activation energy value changes with the structural phase, increasing in the rhombohedral phase and decreasing in the orthorhombic phase.     

Optical properties of hybrid periodic/quasiregular dielectric multilayers

Optical properties like transmission, omnidirectional reflection and localization of modes are theoretically investigated in hybrid periodic/quasiregular dielectric heterostructures based on porous silicon. It is shown that the fabrication of this class of multilayers would lead to an improvement of the formation of microcavities, the widening of the incidence angular interval for total reflection as well as the appearance of spatial localization of electric field intensity within specific regions of the structures.     

Synthesis of bismuth titanate with urea as fuel by solution combustion route and its dielectric and ferroelectric properties

Preparation of ferroelectric bismuth titanate (Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂) is carried out by solution combustion route with urea as fuel at much lower calcinations temperatures. The single phase bismuth titanate was obtained after calcinations at 800 °C. SEM micrographs of the calcined powders show agglomerated, flaky and foamy morphology, which is typical of combustion synthesis and that of sintered ceramics shows the grain formation. Behavior of dielectric constant and dielectric loss as a function of temperature of as-prepared sample are reported in this communication. Ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition occurs at the temperature T_c ∼ 660 °C. Its remnant polarization (2P_r) is very less of the order of 0.012 μC/cm².     

Phase evolution and microwave dielectric properties of Bi3SbO7 ceramic

The Bi₃SbO₇ ceramic was prepared by the solid state reaction method and its phase evolution at different temperatures was studied. Low temperature phase α-Bi₃SbO₇ was formed at about 890 °C and it started to transform to high temperature phase β-Bi₃SbO₇ at about 960 °C. Microwave dielectric constants of α-Bi₃SbO₇ ceramic and β-Bi₃SbO₇ ceramic were 43.2 and 37.6, Qf value were 2080 and 5080 GHz, respectively. TCF of α-Bi₃SbO₇ ceramic was near zero and TCF of β-Bi₃SbO₇ ceramic was about −120 ppm/°C. The Bi₃SbO₇ ceramic is a promising candidate for low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology due to its large dielectric constant, low dielectric loss at microwave region, low sintering temperature and simple composition.     

Experimental and numerical investigation of a ceramic dielectric resonator (DRA): CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO)

In this study, the CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ (CCTO) ceramic phase was synthesized by microwave heating in a much shorter time compared to the conventional heating methods. The results indicate that microwave processing is a promising method for preparing CCTO ceramics. CCTO was prepared using a domestic microwave oven operated at 2.45 GHz with 800 W. After a few minutes of microwave irradiation the formation of CCTO was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction. The CCTO ceramic was studied in the medium-frequency (MF) range (100 Hz-1 MHz) and in the microwave range of frequencies. The experimental and theoretical characteristics of the dielectric resonator antenna are investigated.     

Effect of glycine substitution on the ferroelectric phase of betaine arsenate [(CH3)3NCH2COO·H3AsO4]

The present work reports an experimental investigation on the influence of glycine (NH₂CH₂COOH) substitution in the polar properties and the critical dynamics of the molecular ferroelectric betaine arsenate, (CH₃)₃NCH₂COO·H₃AsO₄. The dielectric dispersion (20 Hz<ν<3 MHz) and the thermally induced displacement currents are investigated in detail over the extended Curie region of the system (130 K<T<100 K). The results obtained for a single crystal with nominal glycine content of 20% are analyzed, compared with those obtained for pure betaine arsenate and discussed within the scope of a phenomenological Landau model previously used to describe a system with competing ferroelectric and structural instabilities.     

Low-temperature dielectric behavior of disordered and ordered langasite family single crystals LGS,LGT, SNGS and STGS

Dielectric measurements of disordered La₃Ga₅SiO₁₄ (LGS), La₃Ga_5,5Ta_0,5O₁₄ (LGT) and ordered Sr₃NbGa₃Si₂O₁₄ (SNGS), Sr₃TaGa₃Si₂O₁₄ (STGS) single crystals of the langasite family performed at frequencies from 10 Hz to 1 MHz at temperatures between 4.2 and 300 K are reported. Temperature dependences of dielectric permittivity ε₃₃ and ε₁₁ are obtained. It is shown that ε₃₃ in LGS and LGT exhibits incipient ferroelectric-like behavior. SNGS and STGS demonstrate ordinary dielectric temperature dependences as dielectric permittivity decreases down to helium temperatures.     

An atomistic approach to the dielectric modes of BaTiO3 and SrTiO3

Recently, a clear long-sought Debye mode (D) in barium titanate (BT) was identified [J. Hlinka, T. Ostapchuk, D. Nuzhnyy, J. Petzelt, P. Kuzel, C. Kadlec, P. Vanek, I. Ponomareva, L. Bellaiche, Phys. Rev. Lett. 101 (2008) 167402] and this mode was shown to originate from the polar coordinate that also generates the so-called Slater mode (S). The inter-relations between the D mode and the normal A1-type phonon modes were studied by those authors using a four-mode phenomenological model. The present work is to offer an atomistic support of their work and to better illustrate the nature of and the couplings between these modes. In addition, we extend the as-obtained insights to the investigation of the nature of the low frequency Raman peaks that were found in ¹⁸O-substituted strontium titanate (ST) many years ago [M. Itoh, R. Wang, Y. Inaguma, T. Yamaguchi, Y.-J. Shan, T. Nakamura, Phys. Rev. Lett. 82 (1999) 3540]. Thus, our work provides important information on the connections between the lattice dynamics of BT and ST.     

Structure and ferroelectric properties of BaBi3.8M0.2(Ti3.8Nb0.2)O15 (M=Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba) ceramics

Bismuth layer structured compounds BaBi_3.8M_0.2(Ti_3.8Nb_0.2)O₁₅, with M=Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba, were synthesized through a modified chemical route. Phase and structure of the compounds were analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The structure of Mg²⁺ based compound was orthorhombic, while it was tetragonal for the other three compositions. Experimental results indicate that Mg²⁺ prefers to substitute in the Bi₂O₂ layer. The room temperature permittivity was maximum for Ba²⁺ based compound (∼432). The piezoelectric coefficient was significantly enhanced in Mg²⁺ based compound. The Curie temperature was found to decrease gradually in the order Mg>Ca>Sr>Ba based compound. There was a marked improvement in the relaxor behavior and remnant polarization for Ba²⁺ based compound. The structural changes and dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of all the compounds was discussed and co-related.     

Impacts of neodymium on structural,spectral and dielectric properties of LiNi0.5Fe2O4 nanocrystalline ferrites fabricated via micro-emulsion technique

Soft ferrites are technologically advanced smart materials and their properties can be tailored by controlling the chemical composition and judicial choice of the metal elements. In this article we discussed the effect of rare earth neodymium (Nd³⁺) on various properties of LiNi_0.5Nd_xFe_2−xO₄ spinel ferrites. These ferrites have been synthesized by facile micro-emulsion route and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a.c. electrical conductivity and thermal analysis. The influence of Nd³⁺ doping on structural and electrical parameters has been investigated. XRD analysis revealed the formation of single cubic spinel structure for x≤0.07. Few traces of secondary phase (NdFeO₃) were found for x≥0.105. The secondary phase induced owing to the solubility limit of Nd³⁺ cations in these ferrites. The lattice parameter (a) and crystallite size (D) both exhibit non-linear relation. The values of “a” and “D” were found in the range 8.322–8.329 Å and 25–32 nm respectively. These variations were attributed to the larger ionic radius of Nd³⁺ cations as compared to the host cations and lattice strain produced in these ferrites. The dielectric parameters were studied in the range 1 MHz to 3 GHz and these parameters were damped by Nd³⁺ incorporation and also by increasing the frequency. The reduced dielectric parameters observed in wide frequency range proposed that these nanocrystalline ferrites are potential candidates for fabricating the devices which are required to operate at GHz frequencies.