Polar domains in lead dtitanate films under tensile strain

G. Catalan, A. Janssens, G. Rispens, S. Csiszar, O. Seeck, Augustinus J.H.M. Rijnders, David H.A. Blank, B. Noheda

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Abstract

Thin films of PbTiO3, a classical ferroelectric, have been grown under tensile strain on single-crystal substrates of DyScO3. The films, of only 5 nm thickness, grow fully coherent with the substrate, as evidenced by synchrotron x-ray diffraction. A mapping of the reciprocal space reveals intensity modulations (satellites) due to regularly spaced polar domains in which the polarization appears rotated away from the substrate normal, characterizing a low-symmetry phase not observed in the bulk material. This could have important practical implications since these phases are known to be responsible for ultrahigh piezoelectric responses in complex systems.
Original languageUndefined
Pages (from-to)127602-
Number of pages4
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume96
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006

Keywords

  • METIS-234950
  • IR-59086

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